Rome Pickpockets

Italy

Rome's pickpocket density is highest on Bus 64 (Termini to Vatican) — locals literally call it "the pickpocket express". Metro Line A + Line B + Termini station + Vatican queues + Colosseum plaza are the other primary hotspots.

Very high risk

7 pickpocket hotspots

Bus 64 (Termini → Vatican) + Bus 40

bus

very high

When: 08:00-18:00 tourist peak

Technique: Coordinated pushing near doors + wallet lift as passengers board

Termini train station + Metro connections

train station

very high

When: All day

Technique: Multi-person groups; also luggage theft

Metro A (Ottaviano-Termini-Spagna stretch)

metro

high

Vatican Museum queue + St Peter's Square

tourist attraction

very high

Technique: Priest impersonators, "help with camera" distractions

Colosseum plaza + Roman Forum entrance

tourist attraction

high

Trevi Fountain + Spanish Steps

plaza

high

Restaurant terraces in Piazza Navona / Trastevere

restaurant

moderate

Technique: Rose-hand or fake violinist distraction while bag under table is opened

Common techniques used in Rome

Bus 64 crush

Groups deliberately crowd doors during boarding + pickpocket in the crush.

Baby doll throw

A "baby" (usually a plastic doll) is thrown into your arms — you catch reflexively, arms occupied, wallet lifted.

Priest impersonator

Man dressed as Vatican priest asks for donation — accomplice lifts wallet during interaction.

Restaurant bag-under-chair

Waiter or accomplice takes bag from underneath restaurant chair while you eat.

Prevention

1Money belt inside clothes for main card + passport.
2Bag on front + hand on zipper.
3Nothing in back pockets. Wallet in front.
4Walk Termini to Vatican (45 min through central Rome) or take Metro A to Ottaviano — MUCH safer than Bus 64.
5In restaurants: bag on your lap or between your feet, strap around leg.

Recommended anti-theft gear

•Money belt (Eagle Creek, Pacsafe)
•Anti-theft bag with locked zippers
•Phone tether when using in public

If it happens

1.File "denuncia" at Polizia commissariat (needed for insurance + card replacement).
2.Cancel cards immediately.
3.US Embassy: +39 06 4674 1 · UK Embassy: +39 06 4220 0001

Emergency

Carabinieri: 112 · Polizia: 113

Report line: Polizia Locale Roma: +39 06 4686