Losing your belongings to a pickpocket is more than an inconvenience. It’s the loss of cherished memories on your phone, the hassle of replacing a stolen passport, or the stress of canceling credit cards before thieves take advantage. Rome, one of the most visited cities in Europe, is also a hotspot for pickpocketing, making preparation essential.
We’ve gathered top anti-theft travel tips to help you explore Rome with confidence and peace of mind, free from concerns.
How Bad Is Pickpocketing in Rome?
Rome ranks as one of the worst European cities for pickpocketing. Hotspots include the Trevi Fountain, Colosseum, and Pantheon. Travel insurance providers consistently list Rome among the riskiest cities for theft, alongside Barcelona and Paris.
Where Are Pickpockets Most Active?
- Public transport – Metro Line A and buses to Vatican City are frequent targets.
- Tourist attractions – The Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, and Piazza Venezia are prime spots.
- Markets & train stations – Areas like Termini Station and Porta Portese Market attract thieves.
Common Pickpocket Scams in Rome
- The “Accidental” Spill – A stranger spills something on you, apologizes, and while you’re distracted, an accomplice steals from you.
- Fake Petition Scam – A person asks you to sign a petition while someone else picks your pocket.
- The Metro Grab-and-Go – Thieves slip hands into open bags as doors close, escaping before you notice.
- Overly Friendly Strangers – Be wary of people getting too close, especially in crowded areas.
How to Prevent Theft in Rome
- Use an Anti-Theft Phone Tether – Secure your phone with Phone Guard®. Unlike bulky accessories, it attaches discreetly inside your belt, bag, or pants, keeping your phone safe while allowing full freedom of use.
- Turn Any Bag Into an Anti-Theft Bag – With Zipper Guard, you don’t need to buy a new anti-theft travel bag. This compact, durable lock secures any zippered bag, making it nearly impossible for pickpockets to access your belongings unnoticed.
- Keep Bags in Front of You – Backpacks should be worn on your chest in crowded areas.
- Stay Alert on Public Transport – Hold onto your belongings and avoid distractions.
- Never Leave Valuables Unattended – Thieves use tricks like placing a newspaper over your phone before taking it.
Anti-Theft Accessories: What Works Best?
Some travelers turn to phone lanyards, phone wrist straps, crossbody straps, or anti-theft phone cases, but these have flaws.
- Anti-theft phone cases, straps, and lanyards limit your ability to use your phone freely. Their design often feels awkward, they’re uncomfortable to carry, and their low-quality materials make them unreliable.
Phone Guard® offers a smarter solution with its retractable steel cable and interval locking mechanism, allowing you to use your phone freely while keeping it securely attached. Unlike bulky straps, it stays hidden inside your belt, bag, or pants, making it nearly impossible for thieves to target your device.
Similarly, Zipper Guard transforms any ordinary bag into an anti-theft travel bag, securing zippers so pickpockets can’t easily access your valuables.
What to Do If You Get Pickpocketed
- Lock your phone immediately using “Find My iPhone” or “Find My Device.”
- Report the theft to the police at a Commissariat de Polizia station.
- Cancel stolen bank cards and notify your bank.
- Check lost & found services, as some stolen items are later discarded.
Final Thoughts
Rome is an incredible city, but pickpockets operate everywhere. By using smart anti-theft strategies—like securing your phone with a Phone Guard® and making your bag pickpocket-proof with the Zipper Guard—you can explore worry-free and enjoy everything this historic city has to offer.
Stay safe and travel smart!
