The destinations that attract people to visit from across the globe also attract something else: pickpockets. Its sad but true, but not something that should keep you away from the beauty and majesty of Tuscany. Please take these cautionary tips to heart and go into the fray armed with this knowledge. Millions of people visit Tuscany each year and only a small percentage will have a problem like this, but make sure you do all in your power to make sure you are not in the small percentage! Europe has a very low rate of violent crime, which is great by any measure, but the theft rate is elevated from this practice of preying on tourists.
On the plus side holiday villas are, more often than not, outside of the traditional tourist traps and hotels in the larger cities. A pickpocket watching you bring your luggage into the hotel and watch you come back out is sure to make you as a target. Its never possible to completely wash off that big red target on your back that says "TOURIST", but we do what we can. While in line for attractions, in street cafes, or just in big cities in general its best to follow a few simple rules.
There are several great articles online about pickpockets and how to avoid them. Why they may sound overly cautious or even alarmist, take what advice you will from them and its better to be overly prepared than under prepared. The first is the always helpful travel tipster, Rick Steves. Over on his website he has an extensive article on the topic of pickpockets and thieves. Ms. Adventures in Italy also has an article on how to avoid a pickpocket, as well as many other great articles.
As I said, the vast majority of people who travel will probably not encounter any pickpockets, but they are there. With these simple tips and the other available information online you will be better armed and a wary tourist does not make as sweet a target as a clueless one.
- Be aware of the situation around you. If someone seems to be following you, keep an eye on them or go into a shop and hope they lose interest.
- Look determined, know where you are going and don't pull out a huge map and unfold it in the middle of the street. Its distracting to you and marks you as someone who is not sure where they are.
- Make sure you have anything important in a money belt, and spending cash in your pocket. Do not get your money belt out in public. If you need more spending cash or something from it, excuse yourself and go to the bathroom and get it.
- When using a rental car, do not keep valuables in it. Those little rental car stickers are also big targets in busy tourist cities and carparks. In hatchbacks, you can flip the cover over the back open to show that there is indeed nothing to steal in there.
There are several great articles online about pickpockets and how to avoid them. Why they may sound overly cautious or even alarmist, take what advice you will from them and its better to be overly prepared than under prepared. The first is the always helpful travel tipster, Rick Steves. Over on his website he has an extensive article on the topic of pickpockets and thieves. Ms. Adventures in Italy also has an article on how to avoid a pickpocket, as well as many other great articles.
As I said, the vast majority of people who travel will probably not encounter any pickpockets, but they are there. With these simple tips and the other available information online you will be better armed and a wary tourist does not make as sweet a target as a clueless one.
