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This content has been automatically translated from Ukrainian.
I've long been hooked by videos from Rome that are appearing more and more on TikTok and Instagram Reels. There is always one plot there: a crowd in the Roman subway, a man tries to go to the door, but a group of women block his way. Suddenly he starts screaming “Pickpockets! Pickpockets!”, and the women abruptly escape the carriage without looking back. At first glance – is just a quarrel. But in fact, this is part of a rather dangerous and sophisticated criminal scheme.
A catch town for tourists
Rome – is not only Colosseum, pasta and morning espresso. It is also one of the main capitals of pocket crime in Europe. And the subway – is a real paradise for those who hunt for scattered tourists. Especially during peak hours, when the carriages are full of stampedes, and you are being pressured from all sides. This environment – is the perfect scene for “professionals”.
Theater of pocket manipulations
The women we see in these videos are not random passengers. It's – organized groups of thieves, which work in close coordination. Their role is – to create a barrier at the door to stop the flow of people trying to get out or in. At this moment, other members of the group are rummaging through their pockets, pulling out wallets, phones, and documents. They move lightning fast, in harmony, and mostly – completely imperceptibly.
“Pickpockets!” as an alarm
When someone – is more local, less often tourists – notice that something strange is happening, they shout “Pickpockets!” It's not just a word, it's a kind of siren. The reaction is immediate: the suspected women, even if they have not yet managed to steal anything, immediately leave the car –, their main goal is not to get caught. Sometimes the audience films these scenes, and sometimes the victims themselves tell how they almost became victims.
Why women?
This is an important question. The fact is that women (especially with children in their arms or in the form of tourists) less suspicious. They often look modest, non-aggressive. Some wear long skirts, handkerchiefs, use baby carriages – everything to create a “innocent” look. In addition, some have minor accomplices who are difficult to prosecute due to age restrictions. It's – conscious tactical move.
Where are they from?
In many videos, you can hear these women speaking Romanian, Bulgarian or dialects of the Roma language among themselves. Often it is migrants from the Balkans or Eastern Europe, who drive around cities and EU countries in search of “easy prey”. They may have false documents or no documents at all. They don't sit in one place for long: today in Rome, tomorrow in Milan, the day after tomorrow – in Barcelona.
Police? What about the police?
The Italian police are, of course, aware of these schemes. But often she does not have time or does not have legal tools, to deal effectively with pickpocketing. Most of these crimes are classified as petty, and even if the thief is caught –, she can be released without serious punishment. There is often a lack of evidence, or victims are not left to file a statement.
What should a tourist do?
When I saw these videos, I immediately asked myself the question: how to protect yourselfif you find yourself in that situation?
Here are some simple but effective tips:
- Never store valuables in external pockets.
- Money and documents – only in internal compartments or waist bag under clothes.
- In the crowd, keep your bag in front of you, not behind you.
- Avoid the stampede at the door – it is better to go deeper into the car.
- If you hear “Pickpockets!” –, check your stuff right away.
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