Be Wary Of Pickpockets At Italian Airports

Italy is known for its stunning architecture, rich history, and mouth-watering cuisine, but it also has a reputation for pickpocketing. While petty crime rates have decreased in recent years, theft remains the most common crime in the country, and travellers should be vigilant, especially in crowded areas such as public transport and tourist hotspots.

Pickpockets often work in teams and target distracted individuals, such as those who are tired from a long flight or overwhelmed by their surroundings. They employ various distraction techniques, from spilling drinks to asking for directions, to create opportunities for theft.

So, are there pickpockets at Italian airports? The answer is yes. The Milan railway station and Pisa airport have both been flagged as hotspots for pickpocketing. However, by taking some simple precautions, travellers can significantly reduce their risk of becoming a victim.

Pickpocket hotspots in Italy

Italy's petty crime rates have decreased in recent decades, and the risk of theft is statistically no higher than in similarly-sized cities in the US or UK. However, theft is the most common crime in Italy, and pickpocketing is still a part of Italian city life. Pickpockets tend to target vulnerable people who look tired or distracted, such as those with heavy luggage or those who are overwhelmed by their surroundings. They also tend to operate in crowded areas, including public transport, major rail stations, and tourist attractions.

Milan

Milan's railway station, Milano Centro, is a well-known pickpocket hotspot. Gypsy thieves often target tourists, particularly Japanese and Chinese travellers, by pretending to help with luggage. They also operate in the lifts from street level to the station, with one thief blocking movement while another picks pockets. The Duomo di Milano is another hotspot for theft in Milan.

Rome

Rome is considered the worst city in Italy for pickpocketing. The Trevi Fountain, the Colosseum, and the Pantheon are all common spots for pickpocketing due to large crowds and tourist activity. The Spanish Steps, Piazza di Spagna, the Vatican, and the No. 64 bus are also areas where pickpocketing frequently occurs.

Florence

Florence, a popular tourist destination, is also a hotspot for pickpockets. The Ponte Vecchio, San Lorenzo Market, the Duomo, and the Uffizi and Accademia galleries are all areas where pickpockets operate. Bus lines 7 and 10, which are often worked by well-dressed professional pickpockets, and regional services to Livorno are also risky.

Pisa

Theft is common on the trains to and from the Pisa airport, with female thieves, often dressed in normal clothes and carrying babies, targeting travellers.

Verona

In Verona, the Portoni della Bra and the crowded entrance to the historic centre (centro storico) are areas where pickpockets are known to operate.

Venice

The throng around the steps up to the Rialto Bridge and the vaporetto stops for San Marco and Santa Lucia are hotspots for pickpockets in Venice.

Naples

While Naples' reputation for crime is considered outdated, it's still important to be cautious, especially on the Circumvesuviana train to and from Pompeii and Sorrento and around Piazza Garibaldi, particularly at night.

Common tactics used by pickpockets

Pickpockets are known to target distracted individuals, such as those who are tired from a long flight, overwhelmed, or lost in a new place. They often work in groups to create distractions, such as fake altercations, spilling food or drinks, or bumping into their targets. Here are some common tactics used by pickpockets:

• Crowding or Grouping: Pickpockets may work in groups of four or five, crowding around a targeted tourist. While one distracts the victim, another will attempt to steal their belongings.
• Metro Turnstiles: Pickpockets may take advantage of crowded subway turnstiles by sneaking in behind their targets as they rush through. This enables them to snatch wallets or purses without being noticed.
• Bag Slashing: Thieves may slash open purses or backpacks to gain access to valuables inside. It is recommended to use slash-proof bags or metal wires inside bags to deter such attempts.
• Ticket Kiosks: At ticket kiosks, a "helpful" local may offer assistance with the machine while their accomplice steals from your bag or pockets.
• Street Bump: Pickpockets may bump into you on the street, apologise, and then take the opportunity to lift your wallet or valuables before disappearing into the crowd.
• The Mustard/Bird Poop Scam: In this variation of the street bump tactic, the pickpocket "accidentally" spills mustard or pretends to point out bird droppings on you. While offering to help clean it off, they take the opportunity to steal your belongings.
• The Over-Helpful Tourist: Be cautious of overly friendly people offering directions or help with your luggage. They may be sizing you up or attempting to switch your locker keys or check your ticket number.
• ATM Distraction: Pickpockets often target individuals using ATMs as they know the person will have cash on them. They may work with an accomplice to distract you while you withdraw money. Always be vigilant and aware of your surroundings when using an ATM.
• Sign a Petition: Pickpockets or their accomplices may approach you with a petition to sign. While you are distracted by their request, they may pick your pocket or use a fake arm to do so.
• Watching Street Performers: Pickpockets know that when you're focused on a street performance, your attention is diverted from your belongings. They take advantage of this distraction to steal from unsuspecting individuals.
• Cafes and Restaurants: Placing your bag or purse on the back of your chair in a cafe or restaurant makes it easy for a thief to grab and run. Always keep your valuables in sight and secure.
• The Stall: In this classic tactic, a "blocker" will walk in front of the victim and suddenly stop, causing the victim to bump into them. An accomplice will then bump into both of them and start a staged argument with the blocker. During the confusion, they will steal valuables and pass them to another member of their gang, who will quickly leave the scene.
• Confidence and Distraction: Pickpockets may exude confidence and engage with you to gain your trust. They may create an "attentional overload" by talking to you, touching you, and invading your personal space. This overload of sensory input makes it easier for them to steal from you without your immediate realisation.

How to protect your valuables

Italy is known for its high rate of theft by pickpockets, especially in Naples, Rome, Florence, and Milan. Pickpockets are commonly found in crowded public spaces, including public transport, public markets, and outside tables at sidewalk cafes and restaurants. They often work in groups and target distracted individuals, such as those who are tired from a long flight or overwhelmed by their surroundings. To protect your valuables and avoid becoming a victim of pickpocketing, consider the following strategies:

• Carry your bag in front of you and wear it across your chest or stomach. Keep your arms folded over the bag if in a crowded area.
• Ensure your bag can be zipped shut and always keep it closed when in public.
• Avoid wearing fanny packs or placing valuables in back pockets, inside pockets, or backpack compartments that are not in contact with your body.
• Be aware of your surroundings and maintain a confident posture. Pickpockets often target those who appear lost, distracted, or vulnerable.
• Keep your valuables close to your body and avoid carrying unnecessary items. Leave spare cash and valuables in a hotel safe if possible.
• Distribute your cash, credit cards, and other valuables across different pockets or bags. That way, if you are pickpocketed, you are less likely to lose everything.
• Consider using a money belt or a pouch underneath your clothes to store your passport, credit cards, and cash. Access these discreetly and avoid drawing attention to where you keep your money.
• When using an ATM, avoid those in big railway stations or congested tourist areas. Opt for a machine outside a smaller bank with fewer people around. Be vigilant and check your surroundings for potential thieves.
• Be cautious when someone tries to distract or block you, especially in crowded areas. This could be a tactic used by pickpockets to divert your attention.
• Keep your phone secured and avoid placing it in your back pocket or leaving it unattended on tables.
• If you are travelling with others, take turns to watch each other's belongings and create a barrier around your group.

What to do if you are robbed

Being robbed while travelling can be a traumatising experience, but there are a few things you can do to help yourself. Here is a list of steps to take if you are robbed while in Italy:

Call the Police

As soon as you realise you have been robbed, call the police. They will be able to assist you in filing a report, which you may need for legal or reimbursement purposes. Large railway stations and airports in Italy have their own police stations.

Make a List of What Was Stolen

It is important to make a list of everything that was stolen. This will be useful when filing a police report and any insurance claims. Try to include as much detail as possible, such as serial numbers, makes and models of items.

Contact Your Bank

If your credit or debit cards were stolen, call your bank immediately to cancel them. You may also want to transfer any money you had in those accounts to new accounts, just to be safe.

Check Your Surroundings

If you realise you have been robbed in a public place, such as a train or bus, check your surroundings. The thief may have discarded your wallet or bag after taking the cash. It is also a good idea to check bins and gutters nearby, as some thieves only want cash and will quickly get rid of the rest.

Change Your Passwords

If your phone, laptop or any other device was stolen, change the passwords on all your accounts as soon as possible. This will help protect your personal information.

Contact Your Embassy

If your passport was stolen, you will need to report this to your nearest embassy as soon as possible. They will be able to issue you with a temporary travel document so that you can continue your trip.

Review Your Insurance Policy

If you have travel insurance, review your policy to see what is covered. Many policies cover personal belongings in the case of theft, so you may be able to claim compensation for your losses.

Pickpocketing in other European countries

Pickpocketing is a common issue in many European countries, and tourists should be vigilant in crowded areas, such as public transport and markets. Here are some tips to avoid being pickpocketed while travelling in Europe:

Spain

Barcelona is notorious for pickpocketing, especially on Las Ramblas, where many tourists are targeted while watching street performers. The Basílica de la Sagrada Familia is another hotspot for thieves. Outside of Barcelona, the Plaza Mayor and Prado National Museum in Madrid, as well as the Alhambra palace in Granada, are also areas to be cautious.

France

France, specifically Paris, is the second most mentioned country in Europe for pickpocketing, with 251 mentions per million visitors. The Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris, Musée d'Orsay, and Louvre Museums are all popular tourist attractions that are known for pickpocketing. With Paris hosting the 2024 Olympics, tourists should be extra cautious in crowded areas.

Germany

In Germany, Berlin's Brandenburg Gate, Reichstag Building, East Side Gallery, and Holocaust Memorial are all popular tourist spots that are targeted by pickpockets. Outside of Berlin, travellers should be cautious in Marienplatz in Munich.

The Netherlands

In Amsterdam, the Red Light District, Anne Frank House, Vondelpark, Rijksmuseum, and Van Gogh Museum are all popular destinations that attract pickpockets.

Italy

Italy has the highest proportion of pickpocketing mentions in Europe, with 478 mentions per million British visitors. Rome is the worst city for pickpocketing, especially at the Trevi Fountain, Colosseum, and Pantheon. Other hotspots include the Duomo di Milano in Milan, the Gallerie Degli Uffizi in Florence, and the express airport trains in Milan, Rome, and Pisa.

General Tips

• Always remain vigilant and aware of your surroundings.
• Keep valuables locked up in a hotel safe or left in a safe at your accommodation.
• Carry a secure cross-body bag with zips to secure phones and wallets, or use a money belt underneath your clothes.
• Avoid keeping valuables in back pockets or easily accessible areas.
• Be cautious when using ATMs, as pickpockets often target these areas.
• If you are robbed, immediately cancel any credit or bank cards and file a police report.

Frequently asked questions