ROME- Pickpocketed on the number 64 bus to Termini (Rome), a tale as old as time. Long since before the Artful Dodger made his debut in Dickens, pickpocketing gangs have been a scourge on major cities and public transport. We accept it as a fact of life but it can wreak absolute havoc, especially when abroad.  

 The pfaff of having to get a new passport at the embassy, talking with police, buying a new phone are what typically occur following an incident abroad, all to then receive a notification days later on Find My iPhone, declaring that it has somehow made its way to Shenzen, China. 

 While it may not be the fault of an unsuspecting victim trying to enjoy their holiday, here are some tips on what to look-out for and avoid doing to ensure the safety of your belongings:

 Borseggiatrici - as the viral ‘attenzione pickpocket’ videos would suggest, a lot of pickpockets are actually young girls. They travel in pairs and find an excuse to be close to you. Most people don't suspect that these fresh-faced young girls are actually hardened criminals and so it’s much easier for them to get away with it. They’re fast too.

 Packed public transport – Public transport is nearly always rammed full in Rome and shall be even more so as the Jubilee year gathers momentum. This creates the perfect opportunity for pickpockets to come up right behind you without you noticing. They often wait for the moment before the doors on metro or bus open before striking and then escape, leaving you flustered and unable to pursue them.

 Be aware – Following on from the last point, it is paramount to have an awareness of what’s going on around you and where your most important personal possessions are on you at all times on public transport. One of safest options is to have a zipped-up shoulder bag which is tucked under you arm. 

 Leave the passport – there’s no need to be walking round central Rome with your passport – save yourself the trouble and leave it in a safe at the hotel. The same goes for the rest of your important belongings – people can’t rob you if you have very little on you. 

 Phones – The phone snatching situation in Rome does not mirror that of London. It is largely safe to travel with your phone in your hand, even on public transport. That being said you could use a phone lead as an extra precaution. 

 Tourist Alert – People on holiday like to go wearing their best clothes or they’re travelling passing through termini with suitcases or they very obviously are not a part of the local community, whether it be through looks or speaking English. While there is obviously nothing wrong with any of these things, it does unfortunately make you a clear visual target for pickpockets. If you are travelling and you are aware that you could potentially stand out as a tourist, take extra care to watch your things while taking the metro. Pickpockets don’t take the day off – they work day and night - even public holidays!

 Bonus – people who perpetrate low-level, non-violent crimes like pickpocketing are looking for easy targets and a quick get-away. They don’t want the hassle. Draw attention to what has happened immediately and make it harder for them to get away. Those split seconds in which you’re checking your bag to see if you’ve been robbed provides the perfect opportunity for them to get away.