You know about it. You hear about it in hushed tones (or not-so-hushed tones) when travel to Rome comes up in conversation. It’s unnerving, even for seasoned travelers. Maybe it’s the reason you’ve put it off for so long. 

It’s pickpocketing. But here are the best ways to keep it from happening to you in Rome and beyond!

Get a Theft-proof Day Bag

Nothing is totally fool-proof, but there are some excellent options out there. You can find locking zippers, slash-proof materials, hidden pockets, and more, all in the name of outsmarting the pickpockets of the world. These can certainly be effective, and they’re worth the often hefty price tag. That said, don’t let yourself use your theft-proof bag as an excuse to throw caution to the wind! You’ll still want to be smart about it. 

Also these: The Best Bags for all Your Travels

Wear it in Front of You in Crowds

Whatever bag you choose, you’ll want to keep it in front of you, especially in a crowd. This makes pickpocketing less easy for the pickpockets (though not impossible). Keep in mind that pickpockets will go for the low-hanging fruit first. Why chance getting caught when they can go for a sure (easy) target? Keep your bag in front of you! And yes, this includes at restaurants. Don’t hang your bag on the back of your chair. Put it in your lap or between your feet, but never behind you.

More here: The Top 10 Things a Traveler Should Never Do

Don’t even think about using your back pockets

Along those same lines, nothing has any place in your back pockets. Not your phone, not your wallet, not your watch. Front pockets only, y’all! It’s just too easy for a professional to slip in and out of your back pocket without being noticed. Front pockets are more difficult (though not impossible), so use those instead. 

Keep reading: 10 Things to Do Outdoors in Rome

Don’t engage

Pickpockets often work in pairs, with one person distracting you while their partner picks your pocket. If someone randomly comes up to you and starts talking to you or trying to distract you, do not engage. Don’t give them (or their teammate) an opening. Look down at the ground, look past them to something in the distance, look disinterested at best. It seems rude, but if you end up missing your wallet or phone, you’ll wish you’d been more than rude!

Read on: What to Know Before You Visit Rome

Don’t look like a target

I know, we’re not supposed to judge by appearances. But you know who does judge your appearance? A pickpocket. Do you look like you’re not from around there? Do you seem like the type to have lots of cash on you? Do you look lost? Do you look scared? If you could answer yes to any of those questions, you might look like a target. Instead, fake it till you make it! If you look smart, confident, and like you belong there, you will certainly not fit the profile a pickpocket is looking for. 

Read more: Top 10 Tips for Visiting the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel

Be Self-aware

Have your wits about you. Be aware of where you are: In a crowd, standing in front of someone, on a train with your backpack open, etc. In general, it’s a common courtesy to be aware of who’s around you to keep from being “that tourist” who’s bumping into people or walking through someone’s perfect photo-op. But in Rome, or any other major city, it’s an important way to protect yourself and your belongings. 

More here: The Best Places to Eat in Rome

Don’t keep valuables in sight

Valuables could be money, credit cards, your phone, jewelry, and anything else that would hurt if it got stolen. Passports are usually not the target for a pickpocket, but those credit cards you keep with it are. Keep those things tucked away, and only pull them out when you’re away from a crowd. Of course, you’ll be taking out your phone to take photos, so be sure to keep your hand on it when you put it back in your pocket. 

Read next: 5 Mistakes I Made in Rome (and how to avoid them)

Bonus Tip: Don’t carry all your cash or cards with you

Leave some cash and at least one “just in case” credit card back in your room, or wherever you’re staying. If you do get pickpocketed, at least you still have a backup, and you haven’t lost everything. It’s also advisable to contact your credit card company if your card is stolen, so you can stop all charges made on it. 

Want more? Get everything you need on my dedicated Italy Page!

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