Pickpockets In Rome

Rome’s Pickpockets: They Won’t Hurt You, But They Might Borrow Your Wallet

Ah, Rome! The Eternal City of pasta, gelato, history, romance… and, yes, pickpockets.

Let’s just say it straight: nobody’s going to mug you in Rome. You’re not going to get a knife or gun in your face. We don’t do that here. But if you’re not paying attention, there’s a pretty good chance someone might quietly “borrow” your wallet, phone, or passport — permanently.

But don’t panic! At RomeWithMikeTours, we give you the real-deal Roman experience — and that includes keeping you one step ahead of the city's sneakiest little souvenir collectors.

The Pickpocket Game

Rome’s pickpockets are like magicians. Their favorite stages?

The Colosseum

Trevi Fountain

Spanish Steps

Vatican Museums

Metro trains

Bus 64 (aka “The Vatican Express”...and the pickpocket express)

They don’t want trouble. They want your stuff — and they want it without you even noticing.

Tricks of the Trade

Some of their greatest hits include:

The Bump & Swipe — Light shoulder bump, wallet gone.

Oops! The Spill — Someone accidentally spills on you while their buddy lightens your load.

Sign Here, Please! — “Would you like to sign a petition?” While you’re reading, they’re shopping.

The Baby Bundle — A fake baby or a bundle shoved in your face to distract you while your pockets get emptied.

How to Outsmart the Pros

Honestly, it’s easy to stay safe if you follow a few simple rules:

Crossbody bag? Yes.

Zippers closed and bag in front? Yes.

Phone in your hand while daydreaming? No.

Wallet in your back pocket? Absolutely not.

Trust strangers with clipboards? Nope.

Be especially alert in crowds and public transport? Always.

If It Happens (And Hopefully It Won’t)

If you do lose something, stay calm. Rome’s police (Polizia or Carabinieri) deal with this daily. File a report, contact your embassy if you need a new passport, and carry on.

RomeWithMikeTours Has Your Back

When you tour with RomeWithMikeTours, you get more than just great stories and unforgettable views. We’re your eyes and ears on the ground. Our guides know where the pickpockets like to operate and will keep you informed (and entertained!) while you soak in the history — and keep your stuff where it belongs.

So book your tour, pack your bags smart, and get ready for Rome. We’ll handle the rest. And if anyone even thinks about sneaking up on you, you’ll be ready.