So far, after living in Rome for about 12 weeks, I can honestly say that I’ve never been pickpocketed. However, even though some of you may find this hard to believe I think you must know that I wouldn’t be writing this post if it wasn’t true. In fact, it’s quite unfortunate to see that a lot of my peers have been pickpocketed. Usually the most pickpocketed items are: wallets, cell phones, and cash. Therefore, at this moment, I would like to give you my tips and tricks on how I managed to be pickpocket proof in Rome.
Travelon: Pickpocket-Proof Bags
(Borsa A Prova Di Borseggiatore)
Travelon, a company, desires to help travelers keep their most precious valuables safe by providing anti-theft proof bags to scheme the pickpockets. Before I departed for my trip to Rome, I purchased a Travelon Anti-Theft Classic Mini Shoulder Bag decorated with black and white stripes on Amazon. The bag came equipped with a lock on the main compartment, keeping my personal belongings such as a wallet and a phone safe without worrying about the possibility of pickpockets. In addition, the slash proof shoulder strap protects me from an event in which the pickpocketer may be carrying a knife or another sharp object. Furthermore, what could be more handy than having RFID fabric, with this, your bag can block radio waves from getting near your ID and/or credit cards. Overall, I would like to say that purchasing a Travelon bag is the best decision I’ve ever made before coming to Rome.
Staying Alert (State In Allerta)
Even though you may want to keep your eyes glued on the phone screen right in front of you, staying alert protects you from being a victim of petty theft. Whenever I take the tram, I always plan on staying alert by locking my phone and personal belongings in my bag and paying attention to the crowd. It only takes three seconds for a pickpocket to do his or her job. Therefore, if someone or something does end up distracting you, be smart and keep your hands on the main zipper at all times. However, if you decide to buy the Travelon bag you won’t exactly need to do this since the zippers lock. In fact, even if a pickpocket tries to unlock the zipper you’ll definitely be able to catch him or her in the act. Lastly, stay alert when visiting touristy sites!
Move Away if Someone Stands Too Close
(Vi Allontanate Dagli Stranieri)
Even though some Italians lack personal space, this shouldn’t stop you from moving away if someone feels “too close”. In other words “too close” in my opinion could also refer to anyone you are suspicious of at the moment. For instance, it could be the man who keeps squishing up against you even though the tram may be severely crowded at the moment. Or even the small child standing really up close to your leg. At any moment, at any time, anyone can pickpocket you! Therefore, try not to be deceived on the matter of who does it, once your belongings are gone they’re gone.
Be Discreet With Your Belongings (Siate Discreti)
As much as you may want to check on how much cash you have left on the tram, try to be discreet about it. Anyone could have their eyes glued on you the moment you step on the tram just because you’re American. Therefore, if you really want to take out some cash try to do it once you reach your stop. It’s better to be safe than sorry! In fact, who knows, you could have a wad of cash in your hand and someone could just snatch it as soon as the tram stops. In fact, even though you may want to chase after your pickpocket…don’t! He or she could be highly dangerous to confront which in some cases could lead to physical assault. Therefore, be discreet and be smart!
Relax (Siate Calmi)
In addition, as much as you don’t want to be pickpocketed try not to look to anxious whenever you’re using the public transportation or even roaming down the street. Rather than making it better, staying anxious can make your situation even worse. If the pickpocket can sense your anxiety, then he or she knows that they could possibly bamboozle you someway or somehow. Therefore, when in Rome, stay confident and secure!
Thank you so much for reading my post and I’ll see you at my next one!
Jade