Pickpockets, etc, Venice

BEWARE OF PICKPOCKETS when boarding boats or leaving, keep your wallet in your front trouser pocket.
DON'T CHECK YOUR POCKET WHEN YOU SEE THE BEWARE PICKPOCKET SIGNS
BECAUSE PICKPOCKETS WILL THEN KNOW WHERE YOU KEEP YOUR MONEY.

This is a problem in most tourist spots but especially in Venice. St. Marks Square is a jumble of people and twisting streets. If someone grabs your wallet, purse or bag they would be gone before you knew what hit you.

Keep wallets in front pockets. Backpacks, purses, fannypacks, etc are invitations for those not so honest persons in the world. Don't hang bags, cameras, etc over a chair while you eat.

I don't want to sound like it is any worse than other crowded areas, just be vigilant so that you don't have a trip ruined by something that is avoidable.

As always, be careful of pickpockets and gypsy children operating in and around the places of interest here in Venice.

Even if you were to wear a waist pouch, it doesn't mean you're safe from the preying eyes and hands of these pickpockets! I know of a friend who had his waistpouch belt slashed by a professional pickpocket here....

Italy in general is famous for its pickpockets. Keep your wallet in your front pocket. A purse that has a zipper and fits right under your arm is best. Look alert and aware. Also do not keep all your eggs in one basket. Passport one place, money in the other.

As any place where tourists congregate there will always be a "crook" in the midst. While on our trip, one lady had her wallet taken from her purse and another set her camera down and never saw it again. Both instances happened in St. Mark's Square in Venice. Those cute little "kiddies" that approach you and steel your attention are setting you up for another to steal what isn't hooked to your body!!!!

Italy is as safe as any other European country. Italy in notorious for its pick pockets and gypsy children. One should always be on alert for these petty thieves, but a good offence is the best defence. Do not present your wallet or money in open areas (particularly on the Rome metro). Keep your money hidden preferably in an inside pocket or money belt.
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