PICKPOCKETS AND THIEVES
Submitted by Gala Placidia on Fri, 06/26/2009 - 04:13
In reply to A newbie all over again! by Annec
Thank you, Coppicer, and sorry to hear about your bad experience. I have seen those groups of women with babies and children or small groups of children operating around railway stations and on the train that goes from Lucca to Florence. They are "Roma Gypsies" to be found all over Europe and, traditionally, they have been highly skilled in these tricks. It is hard to blame them, they are, in turn, victims of a society which has tried to segregate them from the mainstream and for them it is a way of earning a living. This is a very interesting article on the topic, it deals with children; however, a group of women with several babies and toddlers is not uncommon:www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1030636/Caught-act-The-gipsy-child-thieves-teach-Fagin-trick-two.htmlThere is not much that can be done except for being vigilant, avoid these groups and carry our valuables in a small security pouch covered by our clothes.On the other hand, I had my handbag stolen while I was at a very posh cafeteria with some friends. I did not suspect a thing. The damage was big, as the handbag was an expensive one, plus I had my Australian passport in it and to have it replaced I had to make a special trip to the Consulate in the capital.Consequently, I am very careful nowadays.At least you managed to get your wallet back. I'm glad for that.
Pickpockets etc
Submitted by Andrew on Mon, 07/27/2009 - 04:41
In reply to PICKPOCKETS AND THIEVES by Gala Placidia
The 'Zingari' that prey on people on trains and in crowded areas are a real danger, and they operate using their small children often as a distraction. Some years ago in Rome I was guiding a party of English visitors around the centre. We were approached by a group of these Zingari from both front and back. The children were behind; mother with slung on baby at the front. The trick used was to rustle something inside a newspaper to distract the tourist, whilst the children attempted to 'dip' handbags from behind. If you are in open areas, and have someone large and physical, get them to point the camera quickly and look like you're taking their picture. They soon scarper. Don't try this in a confined space however. In trains they are a particular hazard as they get on the train without paying the ticket, are happy to be kicked off the train at the next stop.Recently in Civitella del Tronto we were visiting the ancient fort. A beggar asked for money. We refused. He shrugged his shoulders and that was it. We then went to the car park, we saw him get into a reasonably modern pick up truck, full of various scrap etc, and drive off. Probably didn't want to be late for lunch.Also good to remind people that in the more prestigious cities; Rome; Venice; Florence; Verona; Milan etc the pickpockets are not always appear as vagabonds. For many years very well dressed people - almost aristocratic in their bearing - have been arrested after being found to be very well prepared and affluent pick-pockets.
Title Change?
Submitted by alan h on Fri, 06/26/2009 - 04:23
In reply to A newbie all over again! by Annec
Yes, it's important to be
Submitted by Diana in Piemonte on Mon, 06/29/2009 - 07:08
In reply to A newbie all over again! by Annec
Yes, it's important to be very vigilant for pick pockets everywhere where there are crowds! Anytime someone tries to distract you, stay attentive and try to see where their hands are going. It can save you a bundle of trouble. One other trick -- when you go to pick up a rental car at the airport. Beware of someone coming up to the rental car you are about to get into and telling you you have a flat tire. When you exit to see, your bags can be stolen out of the back seat. This has happen to guests of ours at Malpensa, and we spent the next three days trying to straighten out the mess, get credit cards registered, etc. Italy is as safe a country as any other in Europe, and you have to be careful everywhere!
I agree with you
Submitted by Peters on Sun, 07/26/2009 - 22:09
In reply to Yes, it's important to be by Diana in Piemonte
I love Italy and Italian art