theft in Tuscany
 

We are renting a car from Rome to Florence. Along the way we are planning to stop and tour wineries. Are our belongings (luggage and all purchases) safe in the car. I have read alot about theft but did not know if it was a problem in Tuscany.
Thanks

IMO, sorry to say, the answer is "No".

It'd be foolish to assume that your belongings will be safe, in Tuscany or anywhere else.

We have spent many weeks in Tuscany and never have been robbed of anything. Just use common sense--put valuables in the trunk, lock the car and park in an area that's well lit or well populated. The exact same rules apply in your own town as in Tuscany.

see what kind of car you are offered on arrival and reconsider your plans. We were actually upgraded to a smart little mercedes wagon however the luggage compartment was completely visible. We were warned even in the most charming of hilltowns, be cautious.

At the risk of sounding obvious, let me remind you NOT to lock your things in the trunk once you arrive somewhere. Standing in a parking area making a big deal of putting things in the trunk, locking it, and walking away is almost like putting up a big sign that says "HERE WE ARE, ROB US!"

As mentioned above, keep your things in the trunk and out of sight. The only place in the world I have ever been robbed was in Canada, and it was because we left stuff visible in the car. Nothing of great value was taken, but since the car was damaged we reported it to the police. The police told us it probably wouldn't have happened if nothing had been left in sight. It was a valuable lesson.

Our car was broken into at a trailhead in the Lake District in England and we had nothing of value in it. They got into the trunk and searched our stuff, which was out of sight of course. The lock was damaged so we had to pay for that.

I think that, by definition, as tourists, our cars are easily identified by would-be thieves and they'll take advantage of an opportunity when they see one. Just being in a spot frequented by tourists could be reason enough.

Not to take any chance, I'd suggest that you visit those wineries with most, if not all, of your valuables on your person and/or in a backpack or two, leaving behind those items of minor consequence.

Seting a booby trap rigged with bottle rockets and pepper spray is a good protective measure.

I'd suggest leaving valuables at home and taking only what is most necessary. Travel light!

When you store stuff in your trunk, make sure you put all the maps and guide books in the back too. No use advertising that you are a tourist.

If you feel so inclined, buy a local newspaper and leave that sitting in the back seat. Anyone looking in will assume that you speak and read Italian and are not some language-challenged dumb foreigner.

Otherwise, just take some precautions and then have fun, fun, fun! :)

Be warned. Do not leave anything of value or tourist books in sight.