Any TikTok user using the app in July must’ve heard the cry of Cittadini Non Distratti, an Italian organization whose name means “Undistracted Citizens.”
Cittadini Non Distratti is one of many anti-pickpocketing groups run by locals and volunteers in Italy who expose thieves by either filming them or calling them out. After capturing the evidence, the organization will send these videos to police departments to try and combat the rush of thievery after the pandemic. People who had lost their jobs due to the pandemic or were trapped inside may have resorted to thievery.
57-year-old Monica Poli is one of the Venice locals who dedicates their free time to hunting pickpockets. “We want to protect all of the tourists and let them know what is happening in Italy,” Poli told The Washington Post.
To prevent theft, it’s important to know who pickpockets target. They tend to prey on distracted and unaware travelers. If you’re walking along the street with your eyes buried in your phone and your bag dangling behind you, you are an easy target. Pickpockets mark people with huge cameras, designer bags, phones, jewelry, or many shopping bags. Although it isn’t always noticeable, they can be seen staring at people’s pockets and bags.
Videos of pickpockets show some thieves using cloth to cover their hand movements. Other pickpockets work in groups, using one person to distract the target while the other robs the unsuspecting target.
“Look for a big hat or an open flowy shirt. They usually work in pairs or groups of three to four,” said Gillian Longworth McGuire, a Venice-based travel writer.
Lazza Ramo, a 36-year-old member of Cittadini Non Distratti in Milan, often spots pickpockets stealing from tourists who store their luggage in overhead bins on trains. “Once they reach their destination they find themselves without luggage, wallets, mobile phones.”
Next time you’re at a hotel, store your valuables in the hotel safe. If you must walk around with your bags dangling, try to use a bag that zips shut.
If you are ever robbed, find the authorities or call the local police. Don’t try to engage with wrongdoers; they might get violent.
Cittadini Non Distratti is one of many anti-pickpocketing groups run by locals and volunteers in Italy who expose thieves by either filming them or calling them out. After capturing the evidence, the organization will send these videos to police departments to try and combat the rush of thievery after the pandemic. People who had lost their jobs due to the pandemic or were trapped inside may have resorted to thievery.
57-year-old Monica Poli is one of the Venice locals who dedicates their free time to hunting pickpockets. “We want to protect all of the tourists and let them know what is happening in Italy,” Poli told The Washington Post.
To prevent theft, it’s important to know who pickpockets target. They tend to prey on distracted and unaware travelers. If you’re walking along the street with your eyes buried in your phone and your bag dangling behind you, you are an easy target. Pickpockets mark people with huge cameras, designer bags, phones, jewelry, or many shopping bags. Although it isn’t always noticeable, they can be seen staring at people’s pockets and bags.
Videos of pickpockets show some thieves using cloth to cover their hand movements. Other pickpockets work in groups, using one person to distract the target while the other robs the unsuspecting target.
“Look for a big hat or an open flowy shirt. They usually work in pairs or groups of three to four,” said Gillian Longworth McGuire, a Venice-based travel writer.
Lazza Ramo, a 36-year-old member of Cittadini Non Distratti in Milan, often spots pickpockets stealing from tourists who store their luggage in overhead bins on trains. “Once they reach their destination they find themselves without luggage, wallets, mobile phones.”
Next time you’re at a hotel, store your valuables in the hotel safe. If you must walk around with your bags dangling, try to use a bag that zips shut.
If you are ever robbed, find the authorities or call the local police. Don’t try to engage with wrongdoers; they might get violent.
