Visiting Rome - Need To Be Wary?

[Jennykenny]

I'm off to Rome soon, and although I have travelled in other countries as a lone pensioner without worries, there seems to be a lot of mention of bag- snatchers in guide books about Rome.
Should I be more than particularly careful?

[B00]

I'd be tempted to wear a bum bag under your coat.

[fiction-factory]

Yes, Rome, Barcelona...in fact gangs operate in many large European cities

[rockyracoon]

I'd do as Boo says (though I couldn't bring myself to buy a bumbag) and wear my bag under a coat or jacket. I do that here a lot if I'm venturing into a crowded area.

[Toorak]

Yes - and watch out for pickpockets on public transport. Keep you belongings in sight at all times

[naomi24]

Yes, do be careful especially around the train station area. Best not to carry money in a bag but keep it in a safe pocket or in a bum bag - and lock passports, driving licences, etc., in the safe in your hotel room.

[B00]

lol gotta admit Rocky, I've never had one and have no intention of ever doing so either. However if the alternative is getting ya stuff nicked I might be persuaded!

[Samuraisan]

Yes, keep your cross bag or bumbag hidden under your jacket if you can, even so, only carry things that wouldn't be too much of a hassle if it got stolen. Take the cash that you will need that day and leave the rest along with credit cards, passport etc. in the safe. Having said that, we have been to Rome quite a few times and never had any problems, but there are a lot more " undesirables" around now. Oh and be careful with your phone, if your see any Romanians ( not Romans haha) approaching you at a cafe, put it away safely . Their trick is to come begging and put a newspaper over a phone that is lying on your table and pick it up surreptitiously. That did happen to us, but Mr.Sam saw what was happening and they didn't get it. I adore Rome.

[Jennykenny]

Thank you all. What has been said, I am aware of.
I just wondered if Rome was particularly bad.
Have been to Barcelona many times without ever having a problem, (touch wood!).

[naomi24]

I’ve been to Rome many times – love it – but, as in any other major city, you do need to be sensible. Carry only the money you need for the day and you’ll be fine. Enjoy!

[HongKongphooey]

Just use your common sense. I always carry some money/passport in a hidden money bag round my waist. Carry a shoulder bag zipped up and make sue the strap goes accross your body,then if they grab yr bag you will go with it! A little bell on your purse will alert you if it's touched. Police hand them out to pensioners round here, they are a really good idea. Hope you have a great time Hx

[Islay]

Its the same as any major city, my MIL was mugged in Brugge of all places (by locals not eastern Europeans) they drove up to her on a motor scooter and cut the strap of her across body bag.

[Jennykenny]

Thanks Hk.
I like the idea of a little bell.
I know it's a different country but my sister-in-law had her bag, wearing it cross-body, pulled over her head by a couple of men on a moto in Morocco. She was with my brother at the time. She had to let go or could have been pulled along the ground. So feeling a bit edgy about it.

[Tilly2]

I have a leather money belt which I clip around my waist. It lies flat on my body and doesn't bulge out like a bum bag does.

[ladybirder]

Tilly I was going to suggest that. Very safe and even more so if you wear it under your T shirt or sweater and put the zip next to your body. Rome I've always found OK but Naples is a different story.

[whiskeryron]

Yes extremely careful, a few years ago I was in Rome,I was approached by a Gypsy woman who had a baby in a sling around her neck, she was supporting the baby with her left hand under the neck sling & begging with her right hand outstretched. Unbelievably after she had gone I noticed my wallet was missing from my right trouser pocket. It was explained to me later that the hand holding the baby under the sling was the robbing hand which one does not notice moving swiftly round ones pockets. Also please note some robbers are quite adept at removing a ladies shoulder bag whilst passing on a motor scooter.

[murraymints]

yup ...lots of gypsies in Rome..would not take a bag at all a money belt under top..and do not carry phone/ camera either..snatch and grab on bikes !!

[Jackdaw33]

Try the Paris Métro. Full of gipsy kids with a newspaper or piece of cardboard over their arms. Bold as brass, they are.

[ethandron]

And don't wear any expensive, or expensive looking jewellery or watches. My son had his watch ripped off his wrist in Naples after being jumped by three thugs, ended up in hospital. If you take all sensible precautions I'm sure you'll be fine.
Enjoy your visit, Rome is my favourite city.

[NoMercy]

It's daylight robbery you should be most mindful of.

Don't sip drinks at tables outside in public squares, unless you want to remortgage your house.

[Prudie]

Gosh makes me wonder why anyone travels to Europe at all :-)