| A delightful holiday can be spoiled in an instant. It can | | | | of time how a pickpocket will attempt to rob you, |
| happen faster than you realise. It will take hours of | | | | you will be well prepared. Study up on pickpocket |
| your time, create an incredible inconvenience, cost | | | | techniques, and spot the tricksters before they get |
| you money, jeopardize your identity, and thoroughly | | | | your wallet. |
| spoil your stay. It's called pickpocketing, and Rome | | | | In addition to being mentally prepared, try these |
| has one of the highest pickpocket rates in the world. | | | | defensive techniques.o Group up. While groups of |
| Rome pickpockets are extremely skilled. Many of the | | | | tourists are prime pickpocket targets, smart groups |
| pickpockets are children who have perfected the | | | | can foil even the slyest pickpockets. Appoint several |
| crime with Dicken's-like expertise. From public | | | | members of the group as pickpocket detectors, |
| transportation, to shops, to discount hotels, to tourist | | | | allowing the rest of the group to ogle at the sights.o |
| attractions-the pickpockets are everywhere that you | | | | Leave it. If you can live without it, go without it. |
| might go. It is important to outsmart the thieves | | | | Backpacks are easy for a skilled pickpocket to |
| before they take advantage of you. Here's how. | | | | snatch. A smaller bag worn close to the body is |
| It's important to have the right mindset. Since you | | | | better. Leave your valuables at your Rome hotel, not |
| are in a different culture, and in an area known for | | | | on Rome's streets.o Hide it. If you must bring it, |
| pickpocket activity, arm yourself with mental | | | | conceal it as best as you can. A zippered pouch worn |
| preparation.o Be suspicious of everyone. Most | | | | around your neck and against your skin is perfect for |
| pickpockets are women and children-even old | | | | keeping cash and important documents.o Look smart. |
| women, women with infants, and young children. | | | | Tourists are easy to spot: camera, sun visor, map, |
| Despite the tragedy of the situation, you must be | | | | etc. If you can avoid the tourist look, you can avoid |
| defensive even toward those who seem innocent.o | | | | a lot of pickpockets. Obviously, not wearing |
| Be aware of everything. Distraction is the number | | | | expensive jewelry or clothing is a practical defensive |
| one ploy of pickpockets. They may display a sign for | | | | technique. |
| you to read, jostle you, or ask for food. Be on your | | | | During your otherwise perfect holiday, staying in |
| guard especially in public transportation. Rome's train | | | | Rome hotels, sampling local Italian cuisine, and |
| stations and discount hotels located near the station | | | | enjoying the fascinating sights, follow these tips to |
| are hotbeds of pickpocket activity.o Be | | | | protect your cash and preserve great memories. |
| knowledgeable about techniques. If you know ahead | | | | |