Countries with the Highest Pickpocketing Rates: Italy Fails to Make the Cut

The Rise of Pickpocketing: A Global Phenomenon

Pickpocketing can happen anywhere, often initiated by a subtle distraction or a skilled hand slipping into a bag or pocket.
In an instant, you may find yourself without your wallet, cell phone, or other valuable personal items.
This widespread issue is perpetrated by an army of skilled thieves who capitalize on crowded places, particularly public transport such as subways, trams, and buses, as well as heavily trafficked areas like city centers and tourist attractions.

In Italy, this phenomenon is especially entrenched and challenging to eradicate.
The criminals often include pregnant women or minors who, by the next day after arrest, are already released and facing charges while free on their own accord.
Major cities like Rome and Milan are hotspots for these crimes, where the majority of thefts take place.
However, pickpocketing is not exclusive to Italy; it is a global issue, with our country notably ranking poorly in European theft statistics.

Italy’s Disturbing Ranking in European Pickpocketing

A comparative insurance website in the UK conducted an analysis based on reviews from British tourists, focusing on the top five most popular European destinations.
Shockingly, Italy topped the list for the highest number of reported thefts.
Specifically, there were 478 reports of pickpocketing from British tourists, with France following in second place with 251 incidents reported.

The areas most frequently mentioned in these reviews include landmarks such as the Duomo in Milan, the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, and the Colosseum in Rome.
It’s crucial to note that this study only analyzed reports from British tourists but provides a general insight into the theft situation in Italy.

Common Techniques Used by Pickpockets and How to Stay Safe

Those living in bustling urban areas are often well aware of how to navigate through crowded spaces.
Unfortunately, tourists may be oblivious to the lurking dangers.
Over time, thieves have developed increasingly sophisticated tactics to execute their thefts.
For instance, one British tourist reported encountering a woman dressed provocatively near the Ponte Vecchio in Florence, aiming to distract onlookers while her accomplices targeted their belongings.

Another report described a group of pickpockets pretending to steal from a companion on public transport, causing the victim to focus their attention on protecting their friend and subsequently lowering their awareness of their own belongings.

To safeguard against pickpockets, there are several prudent behaviors to adopt.
Firstly, always keep bags slung across your body, avoiding leaving them unattended on tables.
In crowded places like subways, turn your backpack around to the front and store personal items in front pockets.
Lastly, be cautious with flashy jewelry—if it’s valuable, consider leaving it at home.

For more on how to protect yourself from financial fraud, check out our article on new credit card scams.