With crime on the rise in many cities, according to Europol, pickpockets in popular tourist towns like Milan and Venice are becoming more noticeable. To protect tourists, some locals have begun warning sightseers on social media about suspicious behaviors and what to do to keep themselves safe.
Cittadini Non Distratti, an Italian organization whose name translates to “Undistracted Citizens,” has recently been posting videos online regarding pickpockets and how to keep your belongings safe. Other pickpocket “watchers” around Europe are helping as well.
“We want to protect all of the tourists and let them know what is happening in Italy,” Monica Poli, 57, told the Washington Post. She says the most important thing to do after being victimized is to alert authorities in the area and have them hunt down the criminal for you. Otherwise, she says, your stuff is lost for good.
Maria Pasquale, a Rome-based travel journalist and author, is another anti-pickpocket expert. She says that pickpockets often look for distracted tourists, or even distract tourists themselves. Pickpockets often grab what Pasquale calls “big-ticket valuables,” which include cameras, tickets, and expensive jewelry. After a team of pickpockets robs you, Pasquale says that you must gather the attention of the crowd before attempting to confront the thief.
Poli says she was once pickpocketed. But instead of running, the pickpockets fought back when Poli tried calling after them. While she was sent to the hospital for minor neck injuries, she still fights to help tourists.
“You must respect the tourists,” she says.
But Poli offers a better solution: keeping your valuables in your hotel or, if you must, carrying them in a pickpocket-proof wallet. Studies have also shown that carrying a bag that is more secure and uses zips to shut will decrease the chances of pickpockets selecting you as their target to almost none.
Gillian Longworth McGuire, a native of Venice, is also a pickpocket watcher and is willing to share tips to avoid being victimized.
“Look for a big hat or an open flowy shirt. They usually work in pairs or groups of three to four,” she says. While big hats help to conceal their faces, open shirts conceal the pickpockets’ hand movements.
Lastly, McGuire says that it is important to be alert of your surroundings. While crossing streets or in bustling areas, make sure to keep your items secure and look out for potentials pickpockets.
Cittadini Non Distratti, an Italian organization whose name translates to “Undistracted Citizens,” has recently been posting videos online regarding pickpockets and how to keep your belongings safe. Other pickpocket “watchers” around Europe are helping as well.
“We want to protect all of the tourists and let them know what is happening in Italy,” Monica Poli, 57, told the Washington Post. She says the most important thing to do after being victimized is to alert authorities in the area and have them hunt down the criminal for you. Otherwise, she says, your stuff is lost for good.
Maria Pasquale, a Rome-based travel journalist and author, is another anti-pickpocket expert. She says that pickpockets often look for distracted tourists, or even distract tourists themselves. Pickpockets often grab what Pasquale calls “big-ticket valuables,” which include cameras, tickets, and expensive jewelry. After a team of pickpockets robs you, Pasquale says that you must gather the attention of the crowd before attempting to confront the thief.
Poli says she was once pickpocketed. But instead of running, the pickpockets fought back when Poli tried calling after them. While she was sent to the hospital for minor neck injuries, she still fights to help tourists.
“You must respect the tourists,” she says.
But Poli offers a better solution: keeping your valuables in your hotel or, if you must, carrying them in a pickpocket-proof wallet. Studies have also shown that carrying a bag that is more secure and uses zips to shut will decrease the chances of pickpockets selecting you as their target to almost none.
Gillian Longworth McGuire, a native of Venice, is also a pickpocket watcher and is willing to share tips to avoid being victimized.
“Look for a big hat or an open flowy shirt. They usually work in pairs or groups of three to four,” she says. While big hats help to conceal their faces, open shirts conceal the pickpockets’ hand movements.
Lastly, McGuire says that it is important to be alert of your surroundings. While crossing streets or in bustling areas, make sure to keep your items secure and look out for potentials pickpockets.