Pickpocketing in Rome. How Can We Be Safe?

Pickpocketing in Rome. Practical tips for safety in Rome and how you can learn from what happened to my wife on one of the buses in Rome. Pickpocketing can happen anywhere in the world and Rome is no exception. Here's my story of what happened and my suggestions on how you can be safe. Buona Visione!
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[@romanalexandrov2880]

A nowise pickpocket once sat next to me in Prague metro. He was so nervous that he was noticeably shaking. I started paying attention to him right away. All of his actions were so clearly readable, that I felt pity for him. At some point he tried to reach into my right pocket thinking that there was my phone (*it wasn’t*), but I didn’t move a muscle. While he was searching for the phone, I slightly leaned towards him and whispered into his ear: “It’s in my left pocket”. The expression of utter terror on his face was delightful! He turned pale and launched from his seat into the opening doors as a rocket! =D

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

😂😂😂😊. That’s awesome! I love moments like these in life, where the tables are turned!

[@letstalkitalian]

Same happened to my dad in Naples 😂 he took his phone and said "here it is, you can stop looking for it in my left pocket!"

[@francoo.m.]

u're great! 🤣🤣🤣

[@chocolatemint1844]

Lmaoo! You made my day 😂

[@user-bz1cl5uq1b]

As you misspelled nowise and novice seem to have similar meanings

[@TroyQwert]

Thank you and all people who help others stay safe. Good job!

[@lauraawhite6235]

We got robbed of an iphone a few days ago on the Metro in Rome. On our way back to the Airport :/ We are from Glasgow, reasonably gritty city ( I say affectionately) and we've visited Paris, Barcelona, Berlin, Krakow, Naples, Pompei, etc never been pickpocketed before. I'd been to Rome 9 yrs ago too. This time was different. We spent the time in Rome on edge, everyone on the metro eyes each other in fear, you can feel it in the air the suspicion. We used crossbody bags and I clutch mine to me in paranoia. On our way back to the airport at 8.20am we were rushed and pushed from behind onto the metro carriage and they managed to get my partner's iphone out in seconds :/ I honestly wouldnt use the metro in Rome again without maybe a padlock on your zippers or umbrella or something in your hand for defence. We feel quite violated by how forcibly we were shoved onto the metro. Someone who can use physical force against a girl to get what they want, even if it's "just" to steal a phone, is the absolute skidmark's of the human race. They managed to ruin our holiday in seconds. Please be safe and take Rome seriously. The police don't seem bothered by how assaulted we felt. They did report but sort of shrugged us off as just another dumb tourist. In any other country this would be considered assault :.s Please be safe and let no one into your personal space

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

Hi Laura. That’s a beautiful name and it’s also my daughter’s name. I am so sorry that happened to you and honestly this is the reason why I made this video because it is an ongoing problem in this city. Since this happened to you on your way to the airport, you are most likely pushed from behind in a place where a lot of tourists take the metro. Termini comes to mind. I agree. I am also very cautious when I take the metro and when I pass by or go through termini and the best method of prevention I think is to simply zipper up everything and keep your valuables close to you, in other words, make it as difficult as possible for thieves to get to you I’m surprised that you were shoved from behind as I don’t see that very often here if ever, however, I certainly don’t exclude the possibility that it could happen. As I can see how this with sour your experience and your lasting impression of Rome, try and focus on the positive things that you’ve seen here. For example, I had a very unpleasant experience at a bus stop just down the street from where I live about 5 years ago. It was a bad experience but I got over it and life goes on.

[@xdrive300011]

David, you went back to the same bus, The next day that your wife got pickpocketed, you went back at 11 AM, did you intend to catch the thief? I hope you do!! I think if Italian police pay a little more attention, this kind of thief will be so easy to be captured! I don’t understand why Italian government, don’t do much. Same as Paris. I will be traveling to Italy and France, November and December of this year, and I am afraid. I am a woman in my 50s. By just looking at your videos, I am so upset. Imagine, your wife has lived in that city for years! I feel so bad! And yes, I feel angry same as you. I can tell you are angry too. What should we do? We should do something! Maybe carry a policeman whistle!

[@letstalkitalian]

I have lived in Naples for 4 years and nothing happened to me. Then I went to a trip to Rome and they opened my bag in the metro. Fortunately, they have found only tissues, because walking alone in Naples helped me hide my things well in bags 😅

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

Same here. I saw crime in Napoli but nothing happened to me there.

[@Libri_amore_e_fantasia]

Good suggestion. I no longer bring a wallet in my bag, I bring very little cash and all my credit cards are in the inside zip, which is hard to find and open. I always carry my bag well close to my body with my hand firmly on the closure.

[@abbath1586]

Bought these small carabiners that lock. Use those and attach my zippers together. Very difficult to get apart even for me 😂. When on transit I put my back to the wall, and hold my pouch clasp.

[@tsakurshovi6676]

Regarding your mention of "sketchy people", sometimes they aren't who you think they are. On the number 64 bus it could be that nicely dressed gentleman reading his newspaper which is also sometimes used to cover where his hands may be reaching. Not to mention that pickpockets some times act in pairs or more, all the better to distract you while the the man with the hand does the work. This technique also works on the street. Ciao a tutti e buon viaggio!

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

Oh sure. I hadn’t considered this. Thank you. People they don’t look sketchy or less suspect so all the more reason to keep your guard up and observe everybody around you as I said in the video. As for thieves that work in Pairs sure they are harder to prevent but if you keep your guard up and be aware of your surroundings, I think it helps to prevent theft. Once I let my guard down here in Rome and I nearly avoided a dangerous situation. I was lucky.

[@chronic2023]

That old bag with hard-to-open zippers may be the best deterrent. 😅 But canvas bags can be cut open. It happened to my elderly (90-ish) mother-in-law in Copenhagen and she had the bag under her arm at all times. Three huge gashes and her wallet with 2000 Swedish crowns ( roughly $250 US at the time) was gone. My daughter and I were with her and noticed nothing. You'd think one of us would have noticed a bag being cut open but, no. 😢

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

Sorry to hear that. I guess they were truly professionals The same thing happened to us in Rome in 1997 on the metro

[@hollyr.1139]

If only women's coats and jackets came with interior chest pockets, but hardly any of them do. Probably my favorite handbag for use on a train or bus is a small shoulder bag that zips and has a flap that comes over the zipper and clips at the bottom of the purse -- basically a field bag. Wear it cross-body style, pulled to your front with your hand on the strap and the zipper tab facing forward under the flap, and you're in pretty good shape against pickpockets.

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

Hi Holly. That seems like a very effective method.

[@radosawmarkowski5379]

Thank you David, I’ll be visiting Rome in one month and I find your advices helpful

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

@@radosawmarkowski5379 Czecs 😎. Glad to help ! That’s why I made this channel.

[@michelevendramin3345]

Sorry it happened to Valeria! At least she didn't lose her ID card and driver's license! When I wear a bag, even when I walk and it's very crowded (i.e. constantly bumping into people), I always keep my hand on the bag. When I'm in public transportation, two hands! I always try to physically keep contact with my wallet/phone even when they are in my jacket. Thieves are professionals, so we should always be very alert. Great advice, David!

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

Good advice. Thanks Mike!

[@JosephCastro]

That is no joke about the #64 bus. I remember Rick Steves said that it was called: The Pickpocket Express for the reasons you mentioned. I get a little twitchy when I need to take it.

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

I didn't know how infamous this was till my wife took it.

[@ericgray6625]

Thanks David. Another helpful video!

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

Thanks Eric. !

[@debsholly5183]

The #64 bus is nicknamed “The Pickpocket Express!” 😳 Returning to Italy in a month for my 3rd trip . Updating myself on new scams, ideas, etc. Thank you for making these videos. Very enjoyable and helpful!

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

I had no idea it was called that until after I made this video!! Be safe.

[@MencyNars]

be careful on taxi scams in Italy especially Rome. Count your money one by one in front of the driver when you pay.

[@norma8686]

These are good tips, I'll have to remember them since I do plan to visit Rome hopefully this year.

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

Hi Norma🙂. I can’t stress enough how important paying attention is here in Rome especially taking public transportation. It’s as simple as that. Do you let me know if you come to Rome. Un abbraccio

[@angelforceforyou]

My bags I carry are decoy bags. I hide everything under my clothes

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

Smart !

[@patrickdowney2778]

Bus number 64 was already notorious when I first visited Rome in the 1980s 🙁

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

Yikes !

[@22Jeffreyb]

Great tips, we do this all the time. Don’t forget when standing on a corner waiting to cross. I never stand right on the curb. It is known that scooters go by and cut straps on purses and take off. I wonder if pick-pockets ever get pick pocketed?

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

That’s a good idea. I’d love to see a pickpocketer get what’s coming to them.

[@Rualnys]

In Cuba we say: “Ladrón que roba a ladrón tiene 100 años de perdón”. 😂

[@janetlombardi2314]

Hi David. Thanks for your video. May I say that it happens all over the world, not just in Rome. A lot of problems that people have is lack of commonsense, but tourists, in particular, act care free where problems will arise. Never take the risk anywhere you travel to. In Italy last year, I was very aware of my surroundings as a tourist, and my base was in Naples. Wearing the right bag and keeping it in front of me at all times was the best thing to do. Thank you

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

Hi Janet. Absolutely. A lot of common sense is always are usually the cause of these problems. If you’re in Naples, you’re also at risk, but that could happen in a lot of the big cities. Pay extra attention when you’re on the bus in Naples.

[@janetlombardi2314]

@@DavidsDoseofItaly Hi David I am always extra careful. I always keep my bag in front of me and keep it secure.

[@Vpmatt]

My thing in Rome, Paris etc on public transport is to put wallet, phone in one pocket, keep my hand in there the whole time, and hold on with the free hand.

[@prs867]

We recently got back from Paris and a couple people in our group got hit by pick pocketers. My suggestion is to buy a shoulder bag and use a luggage lock through the zipper handle that is then locked around the o ring that the strap is connected to. If you just connect the various zippers, they can still open them. A shoe lace with multiple knots can also be used.

[@siakajabby7571]

Thanks 👍 so much

[@Luchino]

I was pick pocketed last week at thePorta Portense outdoor market. I was wearing a cross body bag. I was in front of a vendor’sstand. Both of my hands were engaged, lifting and moving items on the vendor’s table. I was also speaking with the vendor. I was oblivious to my bag, resting on my hip, still on its strap. Someone popped open the latch, flipped open the flap. There was no zipper inside, so my wallet was easy pickings. After this incident, I got rid of that bag. Within an hour, both bank cards in the wallet were cancelled.

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

I’m sorry to hear that and I’m also sorry to say that I live right above the porta portese market. To be honest, I don’t like that market because it’s confusing and they’re just a lot of strange people that go there That was a wise thing to do to cancel all your your bank cards

[@Luchino]

@@DavidsDoseofItaly The latch on the bagwas rectangular, plastic….two prongs that snap intothe larger part. I mistakenly believedthat it was a good bag to use when traveling, because, personally, zi always found it hard to open. You had to press two places on theside of the latch to make the two parts of the latch disengage, and when the latch opened, it usually made a loud clicking sound. The pick-picket must have been very good to open the bag without my noticing.

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

Or they slipped their hand in the bag? Hard to tell.

[@gg13308]

Good reminder

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

Thank you 😊

[@robTuscan]

It’s interesting, I always hear of this but honestly I’ve never had any problems in Italy and I’ve been there many times. Italy is so safe for me!

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

That’s good. Very little has happened to me you never know.

[@rikayangu3833]

Brilliant share, I do say pickpockets in Italy are very good at what they do. Now I don`t really want to point fingers but most of them are not even Italians but come mostly from another country. Here in Switzerland, they will like flood the place in winter months then after Christmas, they seem to go back home or move to other places.I have been a victim twice and I felt so.... let`s call it as it is, i felt stupid. how could this happen to me, how could I be so careless and stupid enough to be robbed. Anyway lovely share thanks so much

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

Thanks ! It can happen. Try not to let it define your character and who you are.

[@tontobb8956]

If u can survive Naples,train station. U can survive anywhere

[@lislearnitalianwithsongs]

+1 for front pocket as safest place to put your wallet . Unless you’re my wife, in which case you should have a front pocket the size of an eastpak backpack. Grazie per i consigli preziosissimi!

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

that would be an interesting pocket!

[@chuckswaim]

Thank you this very informative video! I’m so very sorry to hear your wife’s wallet got stolen. 😮 On my trip to Rome in April. I used a discreet wallet belt with RFID protection. For my next trip to Rome, I’m going to have a shoulder sling pouch that can fit snugly under my jacket.

[@jerrysabino9079]

We recently purchased backpacks that make it almost impossible to get into it and they cannot cut the straps. The name of the company Pacsafe is the company

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

Nice. What brand if I may ask ?

[@jerrysabino9079]

@@DavidsDoseofItaly Pacsafe

[@cavgrey8]

Love packsafe products. Slash proof, safety features & RFID protection. Well worth the investment

[@jhlfsc]

Hold up....... First of all, the title of this video should be: "ITALIAN POLICE FOUND MY WALLET THE NEXT DAY!"😲 That is something that is totally unheard of, and quite frankly, not even expected in the states to have the police focus on an issue like a stolen wallet. Very impressive!

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

I agree I think she was definitely lucky

[@bevzvlog5897]

it happened to me in Paris. im glad the very first thing that I did was cancell my cards. Because after 5 mins. My bank sent me a message about a thousand $$$ worth of grocery transaction was declined from oriental store. Thw pickpocketeer tried 4 of my cards which were all cancelled already.

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

It never ends does it ? Glad it ended well

[@rosg1746]

I put my credit card and some cash tucked down in my knee length socks under jeans while I’m walking around. A few bucks for bus etc. no problem retrieving them in a shop or restaurant.

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

That seems fool proof. I’m sure for Italians it might seem strange.

[@5ryans]

I just use a money belt. I'm able to have my passport, credit card and emergency cash on me at all times with no problem.

[@StormKidification]

Was with my french friend a few days taking him around the sights, first time he goes into the metro there was a pickpocketing accident right in front of him. Shameful of our city...

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

Damn. Sorry to hear that

[@letstalkitalian]

In my case, two babies surrounded me in such a natural way that I couldn't feel "blocked" (we were in the metro). But they were too young to know how many pockets a girl's bag can have 😁

[@orosz.istvan]

On the same bus happened to us 2 weeks ago :(

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

😑😑😑😑. Sorry to hear that. Hope you recovered from it quickly!

[@giovanniserafino1731]

Bus number 64 is notorious for pickpockets.Often with many foreigners who seem lost and confused, obviously very distracted and causing others to be distracted. I alway avoid this bus. Tips: Remove all important documents except ID from wallet. Take small amount of money and one credit card only. Travel on bus with wallet in front pocket holding it with your hand.

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

Bingo. Grazie.

[@orobleh77]

Credit cards nowadays have PIN numbers. How did they use. Just curious

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

can you rephrase the question?

[@jewelmarkess]

@@DavidsDoseofItaly I think he means the pin from European chip and pin cards. European credit cards are chip and pin cards and they require the person making a purchase enter a pin number to buy anything much like when we use our debit cards in ATMs. American cards are chip and signature, so they often (not always) require a signature when you use it in person. I don't know how online purchasing works with European cards, but my guess is they must enter the pin in the form. When we use American cards online, we need to enter the code from the back of the card or from where we sign it. Obviously, someone who steals the card knows everything what's written on it, but not the pin that is not on the card.

[@myrtheengeman4787]

It also happened to me when I lived in milan 😔

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

Sure. I believe you. Be alert everywhere

[@didiq7671]

ok so ive seen a lot of videos saying about pickpocketers in Rome, in fact my sister who were just in Rome got her wallet as well. Now my question is , why are the authorities in Rome not doing anything ? just asking maybe u know the answer? thank u for ur time

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

I really don't know how they can stop the pickpocketing. I mean, they can't always patrol the buses

[@jeffmorrison2915]

One day, while riding bus 64 in Rome, I found myself sitting next to a pickpocket. Little did I know that this would turn into a hilarious theft story! The pickpocket began to act suspiciously, trying to discreetly reach into my pocket. My eyes widened in realization, and a mischievous plan quickly formed in my mind. Suddenly, I noticed an iPhone and a jeans jacket peeking out of the pickpocket's own pocket. It was my opportunity! I swiftly and stealthily snatched the iPhone and jacket, feeling like a secret agent in action. The pickpocket, realizing he had found nothing in my pocket, looked bewildered and started scanning the surroundings. Meanwhile, I sat innocently, trying to hold back my laughter, secretly celebrating my newfound acquisitions. At the next stop, as the pickpocket prepared to disembark, the bus driver made an announcement: "Attention! Beware of pickpocketing incidents!" This announcement only heightened the pickpocket's panic. Finally, the pickpocket hurriedly exited the bus and disappeared into the distance. Meanwhile, inside the bus, I couldn't contain my laughter any longer. I had successfully outsmarted the pickpocket and gained his iPhone and jeans jacket. This incident became one of the funniest theft experiences of my life. Now, whenever I encounter pickpockets on buses, I can't help but smile, knowing that I have an amusing story to share. Rome always surprises with its adventures!

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

Funny story but how can you possibly take someone’s jacket off without them noticing ? Better question is how did he not realize it??

[@neo90korasaki]

So the victim became the thief.

[@feliciajohn7660]

Plot twist: u are a pro in pickpocketing too🎉

[@pulse4503]

David, credo tu sia un tipo molto sveglio 😎

[@pulse4503]

Anche se non concordo su molte cose che dici sull Italia, but ya know... Different strokes for different folks

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

Thank you 😊. I didn’t expect everybody to agree with me so it’s all good.

[@pulse4503]

@@DavidsDoseofItaly it's all right, I can clearly tell you are smart and very down to earth

[@user-ge6wyJacqueline]

can you put a decoy in your back pocket decoy wallet with fake cards and use anti theft bag with rfid blocking Slash resistant straps

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

That’s a bit extreme, but I guess it would work

[@user-ge6wyJacqueline]

its better to safe then sorry@@DavidsDoseofItaly

[@cavgrey8]

Some areas of travel a decoy wallet is a life saver. South America, parts of Asia for example. The decoy is handy when it’s a robbery not a pickpocket.

[@RTD3]

I walk or take taxis in Rome, it's worth it.

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

I do both. sure. taxis are not that expensive really.

[@viaggi3945]

Have a question for you. I have bought a condo in Italy, but having a hard time opening a bank account so I can pay bills and send money to Italy. Do you have any suggestions and any bank you recommend and how do you do your banking.Thank you.

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

I use intesa San Paolo. They’re not perfect but I’ve had no major issues. I might go for a non Italian online bank in the future

[@Kwippy]

Visit Rome and you will come back with many memories. The Trevi fountain, the Colosseum, but your lifelong memory of Rome WILL bet having strangers hands in your pockets everywhere you go. And don't bother complaining to anyone. The carabinieri don't care, nor do the native Romans.

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

It’s not that they don’t care. It’s that they realize the problem is bigger than they are and they can’t do much to prevent it.

[@MencyNars]

My family had a bad experience last yr. in Rome. We rode a taxi parked just outside the Vatican, the driver said 28 euros to g et to our hotel. so for the next 10 mins. I was counting the 30 euros I was holding.te driver stopped the taxi at the middle of the street, just few steps from our hotel. my family were fast to get out so I just handed my 30 euros. I saw WHEN THE TAXI DRIVER QUICKLY SWITCH MY MONEY TO 15 euros, he said I only gave him 15 insteadof 30 euros that I handed him. I just told him, karma will come his way. I counted that money for 10 mins, and I just let it go. He had the audacity to say after giving him 45 euros,he had no change for me.

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

Good Lord what a character. Unfortunately it does happen here. Thx for sharing, this way others are also alert. 🚨

[@jowhiteoak7175]

My husbands wallet was stolen on the metro. Distraction technique. When we realised it had gone we knew exactly when it happened. Phoned U.K. right away and cancelled the cards. So upsetting and seriously pissed us off. Left us with one debit card, mine, so was paranoid after that. Then on the metro back I was jostled but realised what was going on and shouted at the girl. My bag was half unzipped. Sorry to say I told her to F off. We were going on to a cruise. If they’d robbed us both we would have been left with no access to cash at all. Why aren’t the police dealing with this problem. Fabulous city but be careful.

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

Sorry to hear about that. I agree the police should do more. I guess that just means more patrolling. No you did the right thing, let ‘em have it verbally ! I hope you were able to resolve everything by now.

[@a_921]

Clothes for men have pockets, what will the females do? :p (Stuff made for hiking usually works, but not light summer clothes you'd typically wear on a summer holiday). I bought a money belt, but even at the tightest setting it nearly falls off me :p When I was a kid I remember we had narrow plastic containers that we could hang around our neck, are those still around?

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

I see your point. I'd say women should a purse or a bag, lock/zipper it up and keep a hand on it. The key here is to not be distracted which is how they got my wife. Fortunately since then nothing has happened.

[@shikha5246]

I’m debating whether to visit Rome or not and maybe just fly to a different part of Italy but my friend insists on Rome 😅

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

That depends on what kind of tourist you are. Are you into big cities ?

[@5ryans]

Rome is beautiful and also most of their tourist hot spots are in walking distance of each other.

[@massimilianocorradini6871]

Ciao David, secondo me il posto migliore per mettere il portafoglio è la tasca davanti dei pantaloni, e per essere più sicuri metterci anche la mano, soprattutto su bus e metro.Comunque sai chi sono in maggioranza i ladri?O per meglio dire Ladre, soprattutto "pregnants?👋👍

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

We Massimiliano. Hai per caso un soprannome? Lo stesso consiglio che mi ha sempre dato mio padre per quanto riguarda il portafoglio nella tasca davanti con mano sopra. Sì qui a Roma sono sempre un po’ a disagio quando ci sono gli zingari attorno a me. Ammetto che non ho mai avuto problemi però bisogna sempre stare attenti

[@massimilianocorradini6871]

@@DavidsDoseofItaly si,mi chiamano Mamo, è il diminutivo di Massimiliano 😉

[@siakajabby7571]

❤❤

[@melindasignorelli4848]

I put a pad lock on my hand bags a nd nobody pickpocket my bag in rome.

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

That works ✅

[@CharlieFultonSC]

Is it best to just avoid public transportation in Rome?

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

No. Not at all. I take it. Just be alert

[@billywalik6411]

Clothes with ZIPPERS! Now…Your Passport, Credit/Debit Cards and your Phone. Carry these 3 where the Sun does not shine! Pickpockets are everywhere and very good at what they do!😢

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

No doubt they are very good at what they do. Still I feel safe with a zipper and with that zipper close to my body or my hand over it.

[@danieleacquavera4107]

I once almost broke a thief's wrist in Roma... she (yes, most of them are young girls...) was trying to steel my wallet but it was kinda of impossible then I twisted her wrist and made sure that it was very, very painful 😅

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

As long as she got the message. I’m not sure though that inflicting a lot of pain is totally necessary

[@danieleacquavera4107]

@@DavidsDoseofItaly But it's been efficient

[@MCtvch60]

Are they doing anything about this given longer sentences?

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

Probably nothing

[@mvp019]

When I got on the Metro in Rome, during the morning rush hour, we were literally crammed like sardines. A guy in a very nice suit had gotten behind me and ran his 2 hands all the way down my back to my buttocks. We were so cramped I couldn't even turn around. As a native New Yorker, I keep my wallet in my front pocket...at the next stop, as the mass of people shifted, I was able to turn and see him as he got off, presumably to continue his "days work." I made sure he heard me say, "Bel tentativo, stronzo!"

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

Hello 👋🏼. Gross, what a jackass! I took that same metro during the morning rush a number of years ago, so I know exactly what it’s like. In those situations prevention is key. As they say in Italian non esiste using your telephone in that situation. Awesome ! Let him know that you were on to him!

[@1guarino]

Probably avoid Rome until the local citizens start to look out for each other. I got my wallet stolen then I got hit in the ribs on the Rome metro, and the other passengers pretended not to notice.

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

I’m sorry you had that experience here. Unfortunately, that’s the mentality here. People don’t wanna get involved because then you might be dragged into court at a later time to give testimony. It happened to me and I had to testify three years after something happened. I’m not saying I regret it, but that’s what could happen.

[@viaggi3945]

Should say I am US citizen and moving to Italy.

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

In what situation and to whom?

[@Rualnys]

What police force handles those cases in Rome?

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

La polizia. Poliziotti

[@hbp_]

@@DavidsDoseofItaly I have never fully understood what should be reported to which police. However, neither does any of my local friends :D We usually go to Carabinieri that's close by. The only thing I know for sure is that talking with Polizia Locale is useless unless you want to talk about parking or traffic (but not accidents). But for a tourist I'd believe as you said, polizia/polizia di stato is erhm... easier to approach. Carabinieri is like those cool Marshals in American movies, or even cooler because they actually have a wider jurisdiction and it's an actual military branch. For example, their offices are probably the only places in Italy where you can still smoke indoors.

[@Rualnys]

@@DavidsDoseofItaly What about Polizia Roma Capitale? Maybe this is a great opportunity to talk about the Police forces in Italy and what they do. I think it’s a great topic to cover for your audience.

[@mavster70]

Polizia, Carabinieri or even Polizia Locale is the same. The felony is reported in the same database.

[@francoo.m.]

Da quello che so io ci sono le telecamere sugli autobus... o sbaglio?

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

Credo di si

[@louisdangelo9375]

It can happen to anyone. I suspiciously got bumped into in Florence and walking back to the subway from the Spanish steps. It could have been a set up for someone else to come behind and get robbed. I will be there in March. Thanks for the heads up.

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

Hi Louis. Yeah, you always want to be alert here. This video was yet another reminder of why this is important.

[@louisdangelo9375]

@@DavidsDoseofItaly I believe that it was the same bus line that my friend got her wallet robbed from her purse. I’ll be in Rome March 2nd. Maybe we can meet for a coffee and chat for a bit

[@demian7567]

Would you mind doing a video regarding the realities vs perceptions of corruption in everyday life in Italy? Aka, government collusion, cronyism and the mob? I find Italy as a good alternative to the corporate takeover that is happening with US businesses, but I'd like to hear of the color of the grass on your side of the fence.

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

Sure I can put that on my list. It’s a very complex topic but I think it would be very interesting.

[@PaulPape-ur7bt]

i use a frunt pocket wallet

[@ransomcoates546]

For 50 years at least savvy travelers have avoided Bus line 64.

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

⚠️. I’m glad I made this video. It helps to warn others.

[@sarahparkes1547]

I in Rome was warned and I put my money in my underware nothing was stolen form me

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

That's a great place for it!

[@tridiep9668]

this is a good reason for me to wear underwear again

[@annelewis2450]

I purchased men's underwear with zippers on Amazon for my husband. We leave for Rome on Wed.

[@alcidemacorig429]

Stay at home

[@waiting4you366]

My friend's wallet and passport was stolen yesterday. He is stranded now in Milano.

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

Oh dear. I hope he managed ok.

[@danielsherwood5010]

I was on that same bus and someone tried to get my wallet. Thankfully my back pocket had a zipper and I felt it. I was not so lucky in Paris near the Louvre. A young child with a newspaper approached me and got in my pocket with a hand under the newspaper.

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

Oh wow. Glad you came out unscathed. Good thing there was a zipper in the back pocket because otherwise they can easily snatch it.

[@guapitoguapito594]

Agree I was a victim today. Most of them are moroccan while in paris are mostly lebanese

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

Oh I’m sorry to hear that. Did they take much ?

[@Sarah_Eva]

The pickpockets don't look sketchy, though... Often they look like young female tourists... I mean, they can really look like anything...

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

True. That’s what makes some of them more dangerous.

[@Sarah_Eva]

I forgot to mention that you gave great tips, though. I'm sure it will help a lot of people! Thanks

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

@@Sarah_Eva thank you 😊.

[@mavster70]

Pickpocketing in Milan has become really nasty, sorry to hear what happened to your wife in Rome. Btw “Portafoglio” is not really the correct way to say wallet in Italian. The correct way should be “Portafogli”. 😉

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

Hi Maurizio. So if I want to say wallet in a singular, I have to say Portafogli?

[@mavster70]

@@DavidsDoseofItaly Portafogli should only be plural even if it is a single item since it is an item meant to carry more bills; similar to portamonete, portaombrelli, portapenne..... This is why even if it is plural it keeps the singular article "Il" and not the plural "I". Portafoglio is now used/accepted but not really correct. Portafoglio is more for things like "Un ministro senza portafoglio". 👍

[@Jacqueline-l8p]

wallet with a Cain on hook your jeans belt stops pick pickpockets

[@csabo1725]

I keep mouse traps in my pockets. Bad news I didn't catch a pickpocket. Good news I got a free vasectomy

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

Awesome! I appreciate this kinda humor !

[@TullyBascombe]

The Metro is just as bad. I was pickpocketed on a train from the Colosseum station to Termini station. As I entered the car 2 very big guys walled me in against the door, They weren't violent, but they refused to budge. My face was pushed against one guys armpit. I didn't feel them reach into my pocket. I had a zippered security wallet which I placed in my front pocket. I felt reasonably safe with it, but these guys managed to unzipper it in my pocket and remove my credit card. Fortunately they didn't get my cash or passport even though they unzippered that pocket of the wallet also. The train came to a stop, it was then that I felt his finger in my pocket. I looked up at him and he scowled at me and said "My stop" as if I were the one blocking him. I went to the nearest security guard to report the robbery, he looked at me as if I was an annoyance and he told me to go to the police station on the top floor. The robbers were right there, I pointed them out, but he wouldn't do anything. As I climbed up each level I found guards sitting around reading newspapers, but there were no police on the top level and by then the robbers were out of sight. I got back to my hotel as fast as I could and cancelled the cards, but in that half hour they had already withdrawn $170 at some sort of vending machine. The wallet was designed to be worn around the neck and tucked under the shirt. I probably should have worn it the way it was meant to be worn, but with some shirts its difficult to access when worn like that.

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

Hello and thank you very much for sharing that story with all of us I am sorry this happened to you and is the second comment this morning that I am responding to both with similar stories all on the metro in Rome. My best advice, even though it’s after the fact is to confront somebody directly when you feel they are invading your space too much or if you’ve had the impression that they were trying to rob you in the situation you could easily tell them in a stern way to give you your space. While there may be a language barrier, your body language and tone of voice would convey the idea. I would also recommend having a firm look around you before you get on the metro if you see someone who looks sketchy go to the next car entrance. Once you were on the metro, don’t even think about opening your bag or using your phone. Absolute full attention is essential on the metro especially when you are passing by busy metro stops like the Colosseum or termini

[@TullyBascombe]

@@DavidsDoseofItaly I did try to say something, but his armpit was literally covering my face. The train had come in, the next one was due in 5 minutes and I was in a hurry to get back to my hotel so I dashed into a car that didn't seem to be too full. The big guys were standing to the sides of the doors, I didn't see them well, then as I boarded they closed in on me. I wasn't expecting guys that size to be pickpockets, I expect pickpockets to be small, wiry and quick. I was amazed that a guy with hands that big could slip into my pocket without me noticing.

[@ReynaldoAbasr]

DONT VISIT OR TRAVEL TO ROME, period.

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

Ok. 👍

[@villsonthong1654]

Sorry for being bit stereotype and biassed. Actually I can easily spot those pickpocket ,most of them are immigration african, muslim group from north Africa , gipsy, refugee and some poor eastern Europe tribe who always travel across the whole Europe region for pickpocketing and scamming only.

[@patriziaalma7498]

In Rome usually they are Not africans immigrants or muslims or refugees, pickpockets were "at work" many years before we had any kind of immigrants. There Is a nice movie about It with Sofia Loren, Mastroianni and De Sica made in the 50s.

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

I agree, pickpockets come in all types of nationalities. Foreigners and also Italians.