Rome's bustling tourist sites become hunting grounds for thieves

Pickpockets and car thieves in Rome are seizing their chance amidst the tourist influx, targeting foreigners.

The tourist season in Rome extends throughout the year, peaking from spring onwards. Unfortunately, this surge in visitors correlates with a rise in thefts of varying magnitudes.

Reports indicate a worrying trend of campervans, including those belonging to tourists, being stolen in and around Rome. Entire vehicles are vanishing, with frequent break-ins reported in passenger cars, particularly those with foreign registration plates. An increasing number of victims are reaching out to consular services for assistance.

Rome's Termini railway station has become a hotspot for thieves, exploiting the bustling environment and distracted travelers, particularly during evening hours. Despite increased patrols by police and the military, their boldness means that just a moment of inattention can result in losing valuables, luggage, and essential documents.

Caution is also advised on the metro and stations, especially in tourist-heavy areas such as Termini, Colosseum, Barberini, and Ottaviano.

Buses, particularly those en route to the Vatican and the city's historic heart, have become scenes for similar crimes.

The Roman police's frequent clampdowns on pickpocketing in public transport resulted in numerous arrests, highlighting the ongoing struggle against such crimes. Despite these efforts, pickpockets using tactics like creating artificial congestion to distract and rob tourists remain rampant, and the challenge of curtailing these criminal activities persists, with the city's press lamenting the persistent "Wild West" state of public transport.