Every time I read anything about Rome I read about safety and security and how one can be robbed on the buses particularly the 64 etc. Is this over blown or is it really as bad as I've read? I'm beginning to feel like I won't be able to carry a hand bag and I'll need to use a hidden money pouch etc. but surely all the thieves know about these pouches and would check you for them if they were intent on robbing you?

We found it to be like in any big city - you need to be careful and aware of whose around you. I carried a purse across my body and it was small enough that I could keep it on when sitting at a cafe. My husband didn't like the feel of the money belt so he just carried his wallet. We did split up the credit and ATM cards so that we wouldn't lose everything if one of us was robbed. I found it no different than when I'm in NYC, DC Chicago or any other major US city.

Certain buses are known to be packed with tourists and a crowed bus with everyone jostling against each other is a pickpockets dream.

We only had one problem and that was in Florence. My DH had just paid for something and put his wallet back in his front pocket. He felt a hand going in and swatted at it. By the time he turned around the woman was walking away - without his wallet. His pockets were too deep for her to get it. This time I'm considering putting little velcro dots on his pockets to make it even harder for anyone to get in his pockets.

Also a money belt or pouch is worn under your clothing. You would certainly be aware if someone were trying to find it!

I have been to Rome a dozen times. I carry the normal purse I carry at home and take the normal precautions I take at home. I have never been pickpocketed.

However, I live in NYC and may be more streetwise and alert to the possibilities around me. I can't tell you how many times I have seen tourists in Rome do blatantly stupid things with their possessions . . . placing their open tote bag on the ground near them while they take a photo and moments later the wallet which was right on top is gone . . . wearing an insecure/open purse or bag so it is behind their back and thus an easy target . . . Many people just don't pay attention and have unpleasant experiences because of it.

Watch your belongings and you will be fine.

I disagree strongly that Rome is "like any other big city"- the European capitals (London included) have huge problems with pickpockets-there is no comparable problem of that sort in the US, statistically speaking, because in Europe they have gangs of Roma thieves, even the newer phenomenon, the so-called "baby gangs"- groups of children as young as 5, who are busy going about picking the pockets of unwary tourists and have been causing a lot of problems in Venice these past months.

The number 64 bus in Rome is one where you need to be particularly attentive, it has a lot of pickpockets because that's the bus that so many tourists use. If the bus is packed, and you're in the aisle, not being vigilant, with your wallet or purse unprotected, or getting on the Rome subway, when a woman comes up to you to ask the time, and another one grabs your purse-this is what you have to be alert to-(this happened to me in the Paris metro this past September-they did not get my shoulder bag, because I had a firm grip on it, and I turned around and walked off when I could see the woman was not interested in the time, but making a lunge for my bag). You need to be especially vigilant in crowds, and on public transport, and to people bumping into you, and coming up asking questions.

That said however, I leave all my valuables, (passport, credit cards) locked up either in a safe in a hotel room, or in the apartment. I go out with one credit card and some cash, and I've not had any problems of that sort in Rome in the last few years, (unlike nearly every friend of mine who has either had their wallet stolen or attempts made to steal on the Rome subway). I don't use the Rome subway because of the pickpocketing problem. You do need to be more alert in Rome than in a lot of other places you travel to, but if you take precautions and are on the alert about keeping your purse/shoulderbag in front of you when in a crowd or on public transport (also, in restaurants, you need to be vigilant, and keep your purse on you). I always carry a shoulder bag, so if you do the same, you shouldn't feel the need to change up to something different, just keep a grip on it and keep your guard up-I say that, because it's really easy to let your guard down, even when you know not to, and that could be the time a pickpocket strikes.

The danger is wildly overstated.

Actually, that's not correct Pausanias, statistically speaking, but I'm fairly sure you don't read Italian newspapers, because you might get a different impression of things if you did.

This from Wikipedia: Rome Metro:

The Metropolitana, especially Termini Station, is a notorious center for pickpockets; therefore, the authorities regularly advise exercising caution when using the metro.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rome_Metro

There are between 100-200 pickpocketing incidents each day in Rome's historical center alone.

Hi B,

The problem is mostly pickpockets, that is why we suggest money pouches, being aware of your surroundings, keeping your purse close to your body, etc.

Millions of people visit Rome, only thousands are robbed.

Enjoy your visit.

Hey GST,

>..in Europe they have gangs of Roma thieves, ...<

Are you sure that they are Roma, or is this just a term you are using for people of Eastern European appearance?

The danger is wildly overstated.

And Wikipedia wildly over-rated.

Little danger in Roma

If you're not in a coma:

The statistics are much over-weighted!

I've been 3 times in 5 years and have never felt unsafe. You have to use basic common sense and trust your instincts. I don't use money pouches but I do where a purse across my chest, which I usually do no matter what city I'm in.

"people of Eastern European appearance?"

What is Eastern European appearance? Eastern Europe is a big place, with a large variety of types. Gypsies look more like Mediterraneans than, say blond Poles.

None of the 4 of us were pickpocketed (we all used a leg stash).
My stepson entered a neigborhood bar for the 3rd morning in a row to get his early morning cappuccino, and another customer's opening conversation was "so, had your wallet stolen yet?". My stepson said he just slid on down to the far end of the bar to avoid being associated with the guy.

He figures the other customer must have been a pickpocket victim and wasn't able to place the experience in an appropriate perspective...

Rome is not as bad as Naples but it crawls with pickpockets. It's not unsafe in the sense that you're likely to get beaten up and robbed (you aren't), but there are very large numbers of skilled (and not so skilled) pickpockets working the tourist areas, and especially the metro from Termini to any tourism area and bus 64, the "pickpockets' express". The baby-wavers and kiddy-crook gangs are mainly gypsies - they work in the open air and are easily recognised by their characteristic clothing. Teams of 2-3 youths, normally a male and two girls, work the subway - the male crowds you, one girl goes through your pockets while the other shields her from view. Buses have similar teams and also suit-wearing experts - real geniuses, like top rate magicians. Carry little money and that in an internal money belt or pouch. Keep a tight grip on your camera. Don't wear snatchable jewellery. However, it's cash and credit cards that they want - keep these far inside your clothing. All of this is common knowledge but the carabinieri seem to be totally oblivious. Train thieves between Milan and Rome became almost extinct when an intelligent pursuit policy was put in place, and yet the Rome authorities do nothing.

I've been to Rome a few dozen times and have never been pickpocketed. The two times in my life I have been pickpocketed were in my hometown Chicago, once on the "L" and once on Clark St. after a Cub game. I ride the 64 bus all the time. I take the subway frequently and would do so more if it went more places. Never had a problem. Does pickpocketing happen in Rome? Sure. But to think it happens to the majority of tourists or to all those that take public transportation is simply wrong. And even my fourth grader knows never to site Wikipedia as a source.

Of course the majority of tourists to Rome don't have pictpockted. If that's the case, then nobody will go there.

But is the risk there? Absolutely. Say you go around the major tourist sites in Rome for a few days, I think it's a pretty good chance you will be a <b>target</b> by at least one pickpocketer during that time. That doesn't mean he/she will track you down and pick you wallet. But it means you could have walked by one, and if you let your wallet hanging out at a easy spot, you may lose it.

So, there is definitely risk. Be careful of your belongings and be alert, and you'll be fine.

Well - I wouldn't ask about security - since to me that implies risk of terrorism.

If you're asking about crime - yes there is petty crime in any large city. And tourists that pack major tourist destinations or transit to/fro are often subject to this - partly because they stand out from the locals and partly because many are not very good at safeguarding their belongings.

I have been to Rome at least 8 times and have never had any problem - nor seen anyone have a problem. However, I have never ridden on the infamous bus (we either walk or take a taxi - just to avoid all the waiting and packing in).

I think if you take the normal precautions you would in any city your risk of having any sort of problem is small.

Caveat: I'm from New York - and things that seem obvious to me (being aware of those around you, never letting go of your purse, not carrying a fanny pack or putting a wallet in a back pants pocket) are sometimes a surprise to others.

We are taking our 5th trip to Rome in as many years. I take the same purse I carry everywhere. My husband uses either a pouch around his waist under his clothes or just keeps the minimum in his wallet. We don't take buses or subways. We were once approched by a couple of women on a dark street and I just put up my hand an shouted &quot;No!&quot; and they walked away. If you look like a frightened tourist, clutching your travel bag across your chest, you will more than likely be the one targeted.

I don't know how bad pickpocketing really is, but after noticing a slight pressure or nudge on my left hip while touring the the Grottoes of the Vatican, I smacked my hand against my handbag and found a man's hand in my handbag. He offered &quot;Scuzi, I dropped my flash&quot; and then ran off while I checked the contents of my bag. I was lucky as he had opened the handbag but not gotten to my wallet.

From then on, I wear a neck wallet with just a charge card, some money, and sometimes, my passport.

Why tempt them with a handbag??