I think thievery is becoming more of a problem in Rome. I was just there and spoke to Romans and to expats who agree and think it is unfortunate. I have been to Rome many times over the years and have not been the victim of a successful theft but on this last trip my friend was targeted and robbed on the train at the station in Termini. Groups of thieves enter the train, create a mild disturbance and then pick pocketbooks. My friend had her shoulder bag strapped across her chest and during the melee took her hand off of the zipper for a moment, the bag was unzipped, her wallet was unzipped and cash taken out within seconds.

Before this trip, the both of us could have said we had never been pickpocketed in Rome.

It is NOT "becoming more of a problem". It has always been a problem. I've heard about it since the 1970's.

Me too, but according to the people I talked to who live there it is even becoming worse. I had not experienced it before so I take them at their word, they know more about it than I do.

Yikes SeaUrchin, I am so sorry. I hope you both were all right. And I take it your friend wasn't hurt? I sure hope not.

You don't have to be a tourist in Rome or even be in the tourist/historical section of Rome to have a problem.

My Rome born and bred son-in-law was walking down a sidewalk in the N/E section of Rome. He was with friends and he was walking next to the street. He had his cell phone attached to his belt on his left side. Some fellows came by on motorcycles and stole his cell phone..all within a second.

I don't like carrying a purse with the strap across my body. You can get pulled and fall down if a thief tries to grab your purse. None of my Italian women friends in Italy will wear their purse with the strap going across their body.