Do pickpockets target families in Italy?

 Do pickpockets target families in Italy?

 

This was our first trip to Italy and with two young kids aged between five and seven years old, we were all very excited. We had done some research and received advice from friends and family, we booked a camping holiday, which was picked due to its close proximity to Rome. The campsite was ideally suited to young families as it had swimming pools, ice cream parlors, restaurants, kids live entertainment and sports facilities. On our first Italian family adventure, we had hit jackpot with beautiful sunny weather and the kids having a great time making friends with other kids who had vacationed with their families. We enjoyed a glass of wine in the evening whilst the kids loved a gelato from the ice cream parlor.

 

 

Camp Fabulous Rome,PNG

                         

During our stay we would have time to visit Rome city at least twice to savor the many Cultural offerings that are available.

Rome, PNG

                
Sistine Chapel, PNG

 

 Even though we had a hire car, it seemed sensible not to drive into the heart of Rome as our research suggested that there was high accident rate. We opted for public transport using the bus for the first leg of the journey and the tube train for the second half.

Since pick pockets are an issue in Rome, I was careful to pick a suitable pair of shorts that had pockets at the front which could be buttoned. This gave me confidence so I placed my wallet in my right front pocket assured that even the most skilled pick pocket would be thwarted in their attempts to relieve me of my holiday money.

The first leg of the journey, which involved the bus, went with no drama and soon we entered the second half which involved getting a tube to the center of Rome.

 

Tube Termini,PNG

 We had to change train at Termini train station which is where this story gets interesting. I was constantly patting my right pocket to make sure my wallet was still on me, don’t do this as it highlights where your wallet is which I later found out (mistake number one). My wallet was still in my pocket before we got on the second train as I constantly checked, but in the crowd lurked a number of talented magicians and I mean that. Because of the crowd, pushing and shoving to get on the train I didn’t feel anyone going through my back pockets and opening my right front pocket, when we were on the train it became apparent that the family had become separated.

Crowds Rome, PNG

 I looked around frantically to make sure we had all boarded the train and was relieved to see the other three members of the family all safe and aboard not even thinking about my wallet. Only when I spotted them a short distance away did I reach down and pat my right pocket, the wallet was still there. I always assumed pickpockets would be badly dressed and probably not that keen on hygiene (mistake number two) they steal all day long and are probably better dressed than you are.

Handsome Rogue,PNG

A well-dressed young man gestured to me, did I want to swap places (mistake number three), which seemed like a good idea as he had a pole to hang onto. As we passed each other he bumped into my right leg very gently. Sometime after reaching the pole, I reached down and patted my pocket and realized my wallet was gone. I looked across and the young well-dressed man was still there. My mind raced at a hundred miles an hour, should I confront him, I knew he would deny it or would have already passed it to the guy that had gone through my back pockets. Even though I am six foot tall, I wasn’t going to get my wallet back and my main concern was my family’s safety.

What I did do was cancel my card, report it to the police, get a crime report which enabled me to claim the insurance on the money when I returned home. This happens all the time in Rome’s tubes and these gangs are good, the police just accept it and will ask you to fill out a report which enable them to give you a crime report number.

The answer to the question is yes, they target anyone who is already distracted by something which is far more precious to them than money.

 

Christmas Family, PNG

 https://italiantravel7.blogspot.com/2022/10/do-car-hire-companies-in-italy-rip-off.html

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