Anti-pickpocket bags?

[chippyfriday]

Hi all,

I’m due to visit Rome in a couple of weeks and have seen lots of posts regarding pickpocketing being a really big issue at the moment. I have travelled extensively to other places and not had an issue but am nervous about the situation in Rome!

I am wondering if anyone can recommend some anti pickpocket bags they have used? Not necessarily ones that are designed for that purpose, but possibly ones with a good opening mechanism that would be hard for someone to get into!

Thanks in advance :)

People will probably just snatch the bag. Don't have anything valuable eg passport/large amount of cash and use a carrier bag? You can use those neck purses for eg credit cards

https://www.craghoppers.com/neck-pouch-black-1/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=%7Bcampaignname%7D_21012710827&utm_content=%7Badgroupname%7D_157441181014&utm_term=&utm_brand=craghoppers&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21012710827&gbraid=0AAAAACV2_DXIKeAOCo7eX7s-3EiB1gyT3&gclid=CjwKCAjw9PvWBhAxEiwAddzYyU6JzUhLbJExzQMQ2FOvRAcC1qxaps-lYCbUwufEqoc6-dkZZVOXnBoCJggQAvD_BwE

I was in Rome last year. I used a uniqlo type cross body sling bag, and put a carabiner on the zip hole, and attached the other end to the strap handle. Worked perfectly.

I used a fold up drawstring backpack if needed, not easy to get into them!

I also got a spiral key ring (Amazon) and attached one end to my phone and the other to the zip hole on the little pocket inside the bag. It stretched right out so I wouldn't let the phone drop and it made it a bit harder for someone to snatch out of my hand.

Rome is very safe, but in places like a rammed metro, cafe, or queue you need your wits about you. The pickers rely on us taking our eye off the ball, so just be vigilant in busy places. It's basic common sense and Rome is no worse than any other big capital city that's rammed with tourists.

You will love it!

I'd put cards and money in something small under clothes, presumably you'll be wearing a coat so a bumbag under/inside your waistband or a small cross body flat pouch under your coat?

Then you carry a regular bag with other things.

Probably just a light jacket as believe it or not the weather is telling me it’s still 20 odd degrees in Rome! So probably not able to properly hide something under a coat

Thank you, this is super helpful! I have a Uniqlo cross body already and it’s my preferred travel bag so this sounds sensible and not too much to have to buy.

I previously had a phone strap thingy that attached to my case when I was in New York that I liked as it felt like someone couldn’t just grab it off me as I followed the map! So might get another one of them.

im generally very travel savvy and felt super safe in New York which also has pickpocket issues, just been panicking over online articles etc

Now you have to tell us how long you are going for, what you plan to see and do, as I am having withdrawal symptoms. Rome is amazing, lucky you!

4 Ways to Prevent Being Pickpocketed - wikiHow

Do NOT trust hotel safes.

I swear by bum-bags. Holidays, dog walking, going out.

You can get some really nice ones too. I really like the Lululemon ones and if you have lots of money, you can get some quite fancy designer ones too. The person would literally have to unbuckle it from your waist. And if you wear it under a coat or a jumper it’s even more safe.

I keep getting ads for the Foldie bag on my Facebook feed. One of my friends has one and really rates it.

Going for 5 nights, currently have the colosseum planned for one afternoon and the Vatican planned for another day. Would also like to see the pantheon but nothing much else planned!! Open to any lovely recommendations if you have them :)

Be prepared for just how crowded the Vatican is. We shuffled along like passengers in the tube at rush hour through lots of very ornate galleries before we reached the Sistine Chapel, which I found rather underwhelming after the galleries.

The Pantheon took my breath away. You must also visit Palatine Hill which is opposite the Colosseum. It is considered the birthplace of ancient Rome.

Lots of churches to visit - you don't have to be religious to appreciate them.

We didn't have enough time to do these but apparently the catacombs are worth a visit and also a Trastavere food tour.

Most important of all - wear comfortable shoes. Most tourist we saw were wearing Skechers (the most hated footwear brand on mumsnet) and honestly you really need to consider comfort over style for Rome.

@chippyfriday I have a Foldie which I wore in Rome and Paris. Dd has one too - 2for1 deal - and dd is a teenagery fuss pot so they can’t look that bad!). It is big enough for stuff and has an anti-slash strap and a card-blocking lining. Also waterproof which is great as it’s miserable being stuck with a sodden bag.

Rome is very crowded. It’s fine if you just keep your wits about you (ie no waving iPhone about or slinging bag over back of chair). The area round the station has a few dodgy-looking characters lurking about, but there were plenty of police.

@chippyfriday I didn't overplan really, but I had the must sees on my list and they included yours. We were there in September and it was HOT!. I have to confess that I don't do queues, so I was happy enough to see most things on foot from outside, I know some will be horrified that I'm such a philistine, but it would have taken a day or two out of our trip to join the queues for everything. You can book ahead I know, but even with that I didn't bother.

I did queue to see the Papal Audience at the Vatican however, no way around that! It was so memorable and a great experience. Rammed to the rafters though, but was well organised. I didn't go to the museum, far too busy.

There is so much to see and do in Rome that you really can't do it all apart from looking and wandering. Walking is the only way, it is amazing what you come across that way.

I walked from around the Trevi, all the way back to the Colosseum on one day. It was exhausting, but I got to see most things on my list including the Forum, the Pantheon, the Victor Emmanuel, and so on. One church I had to see on my way was St. Ignatius Loyola. It is amazing. Has the most wonderful ceiling and you look at it in a mirror in the nave. I just walked in, and there it was! It's those things that excited me most!

I also took the train from Porta San Paolo to Ostia Antica (30minutes). It is an amazing Roman site similar to Pompeii but without the crowds. If you're into that kind of thing, it is a must do. Down the road from this site is the beach side town of Ostia Lido. I cannot say enough about this place, it was a wonderful break from the frenzy of Rome and so nice to sit having a drink on the beach for an hour or two after trundling around the ancient site. But it all depends on how much time you have and if you could be bothered, since there's so much to see in Rome itself!

https://pacsafe.co.uk/?srsltid=AYCX9vIRGHIFAJXIkC4HoK_-Jql4HX4mkt_7uNTWnVpAKT9_Rn7XHtyO

Ooh love the sound of a Pompeii-type place! We were considering doing a day trip to Pompeii but felt it was too far to work it, so that might be a great compromise :) thanks for all the tips and tricks!

Our in laws recommended a hop on hop off bus to see the major sites; but I’m not sure if that’s my thing!

Lots of recommendations for the Foldie and when I have looked online it looks like the exact thing I’m after, thanks all for the tip :)

I didn't do it myself, but I've heard good reports of the Golf Cart Tours (google, there are plenty). They apparently can get around the cobbled streets and narrow roads that the bus can't reach, with a max of 6 passengers per trip I think, and a guide. Might be worth a look, although it is not cheap, so the Hop on/off bus might work better.

Well, when I was abroad and in a a crowd someone did unbuckle my bum bag and get away with it.

I’d advise you to be careful on public transport. The bus to Vatican City is known as the pickpocket express, you are all rammed in like sardines. Then someone creates a noisy distraction and whilst all the tourists look to see what’s going on a bunch of other people pilfer their way through pockets and bags and hop off the bus before anyone even notices they’ve been robbed.

I’d been warned beforehand but I was surprised at just how smooth they are it took 15-20 seconds max.

I used a Travelon crossbody bag for Rome, it's great.

The best tip regardless of what hardware you have, is to be aware and pay attention to who is around you.

If you have to root in your bag for sunglasses etc, step towards a wall and sort yourself out. Don't wander about rummaging in an open bag. A Sicilian friend told me to never have a shoulder bag on the side nearest the road, and never hang it over the back of a chair.

Thieves will find an easier mark!

I’ve got the foldie, wasn’t expecting much for the price but got the bum bag and handbag style when they had a mix and match deal ( not seen this deal since). I found the bum bag a bit small, though even I struggled to get it off so definitely secure, but use the other one as my everyday handbag, though tend to only use the clip when in busy places.

I had an anti theft handbag for Rome. But actually it felt really safe.

Mouse trap at the top of your bag?

Just don’t forget it’s there!

Cross body leather with a zip. Never let me down in all my years.

Just holding the top or the strap is enough deterrent. They won’t target anyone aware of their belongings as so many will have phones loose in pockets or open bags.