Steer Clear Of This One European Country If You're Scared Of Pickpockets

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When it comes to travel bucket lists, Italy often comes out on top, and for good reason. This European nation seemingly has it all: amazing architecture, sun-kissed beaches, quaint hilltop villages, towering mountains, idyllic destinations for wine lovers, and a cuisine that is the envy of much of the world. People flock to Italy because it never fails to deliver wonder and romance — as seen in these 12 must-visit destinations in Rome — via an ambience that stems from the country's deep history and dedication to beauty.

However, as irresistible as Italy is for travelers, there is a downside. Despite its undeniable grandeur and charm, the country also holds the unsavory distinction of being the pickpocket capital of Europe (and possibly the world). That's right, Italy is a hotbed for petty crime, holding the No. 1 spot in a ranking of countries where you're most likely to fall prey to a pickpocket, according to a 2024 study by the U.K.-based travel insurance company Quotezone.

This doesn't mean that pickpocketing is rife all across the nation. It tends to be concentrated in specific places frequented by a lot of tourists — such as famous sites and train stations — which are often in big cities. That said, when traveling in Italy, it pays to be on guard, though if the risk of getting pickpocketed is a dealbreaker when planning your vacation, you may want to avoid the place altogether. However, before canceling plans to visit this beguiling land, know that local Italians have had enough of the pickpockets, too, and are now fighting back against these thieves that are a stain on their country's reputation.

While pickpocketing is a danger all over Europe, it's especially bad in Italy's capital, Rome. This city sees some of the greatest numbers of tourists on the globe, and this in turn attracts thieves. Particular hotspots include the Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps, the lines for the Colosseum, Piazza di Spagna, and the area around the Vatican. The Roma Termini train station also draws plenty of pickpockets, as does the city metro.

Pickpocketing, however, remains a problem in other spots in Italy, including Florence — such as near the Duomo di Firenze and at the Ponte Vecchio and San Lorenzo Market — as well as the famed Rialto Bridge in Venice. Pickpockets also target the train stations that serve the Cinque Terre villages, the gate to the Centro Storico in Verona, and several spots in Naples, including the Piazza Garibaldi and trains to Pompeii and Sorrento.

While thieves will always be a danger when visiting Italy, there are some simple tricks you can employ to avoid pickpockets. Keeping your valuables stored away in a money belt underneath your clothes is a great way to reduce the risk of falling victim to thieves, as is employing theft-proof containers, such as the Travelon Anti-Theft Classic Mini Shoulder Bag on Amazon. Avoid wearing expensive jewelry or watches in areas where pickpockets are active, and always practice situational awareness. Pickpockets tend to work in groups, so do your best to keep track of the people around you, and know that thieves almost always strike where crowds gather.

Italians are proud of their culture and country and are generally happy to welcome the visitors who flock there, but many are also aware that the current epidemic of pickpocketing gives their nation a bad reputation. As a result, some locals have begun to strike back, calling out and even chasing down pickpockets as a kind of public service. Some — such a Venice-based group known as the Cittadini Non Distratti (Undistracted Citizens) — have even taken the fight to social media, posting their anti-pickpocketing patrols on TikTok and Instagram.

Have these citizens made a dent in the petty thievery that plagues parts of Italy? The jury is still out, but according to volunteers who spoke to The Economist, Cittadini Non Distratti was responsible for a third of all pickpocketing arrests in 2019, so they seem to be making a difference. Whatever the case, it helps to know that local Italians have recognized the problem and are putting themselves at risk to make things safer for everyone.

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