Scam in ItalyTheft
Purse and bag snatching in Italy
How it works
A thief grabs a purse or bag and leaves with it.
Warning signs
- Your bag hangs loosely or is easy for someone to grab.
- Crowding makes it hard to watch your belongings.
How to avoid it
- Keep your bag close to your body.
- Keep a firm hold on it in crowds.
- Avoid displaying cash or jewellery.
If it happens to you
Call for help and report the theft. Do not risk injury by chasing or fighting the thief.
- Move to a safe, staffed place. If you are threatened or need urgent help, call 112.
- If a card or card details were stolen, contact your card issuer immediately. Freeze or cancel the card and flag unauthorised payments.
- Write down what happened, the time and the location. Save receipts, journey details and any other evidence.
- Report the incident at a police station and ask for a copy of the report. In Rome, go to the Carabinieri station nearest where the theft happened.
- Contact your insurer. A police report helps support an insurance claim. If your passport was stolen, contact your embassy or consulate.
- Secure any affected accounts and arrange replacement cards or documents. Do not chase a thief or put yourself at risk to recover property.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
- Government adviceItalyNew Zealand authorities warn that motorcyclists may grab pedestrians' bags and that bag snatching occurs in tourist areas and on public transport.Read on Government advice
- Government adviceSafety and security - Italy travel advice - GOV.UKBritish authorities identify bag snatching as a particular risk in city centres and at major tourist attractions.Read on Government advice
Questions
What is the purse and bag snatching scam in Italy?
A thief grabs a purse or bag and leaves with it.
How can I spot it early?
Your bag hangs loosely or is easy for someone to grab. Crowding makes it hard to watch your belongings.
How do I avoid purse and bag snatching in Italy?
Keep your bag close to your body. Keep a firm hold on it in crowds. Avoid displaying cash or jewellery.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Call for help and report the theft. Do not risk injury by chasing or fighting the thief.
Where in Italy does this happen?
Crowds, especially around Santa Maria Novella railway station and on buses. It has been reported in Florence.
How common is this scam in Italy?
Occasional. Italy is generally safe, but tourist scams and petty theft are common in busy visitor areas. The main risks are pickpockets, taxi tricks, pushy street sellers and people offering unwanted help at ticket machines.
Are there similar scams in Italy?
Yes: pickpockets and distraction teams, ticket-machine cash-return theft, friendly drunk distraction.
Who can I report it to?
Polizia di Stato or Carabinieri: go to a police station to report a scam or theft. You can ask any police officer for help. Request a copy of the report for insurance and replacement documents. Carabinieri in Rome: for theft, generally visit the station nearest where it happened. Ask people nearby where to go. Emergency services: call 112 for urgent help or when unsure which service you need. The WhereAreU app can also call 112 and share your phone's GPS position, including when you cannot speak. Card issuer or bank: use its official app or contact number to freeze a stolen or compromised card and dispute unauthorised transactions. Travel insurer: contact its claims service and provide the police report, receipts and other evidence. Embassy or consulate: contact your country's embassy or consulate if your passport or travel documents are stolen.
What number do I call in an emergency in Italy?
General emergency help: 112, Polizia di Stato — State Police: 113, Guardia di Finanza — Financial Police: 117, Fire Department: 115, Medical Rescue: 118, Coast Guard: 1530, State Forestry Department: 1515.
Reviewed by @snuck