All of us travelling have been warned about the dangers of the pickpockets and thieves that haunt the popular and highly congested touristy areas of the city - not just of Rome or Italy, but any major center in all of Europe. A sad situation, but not surprising. It was ever thus, and sadly will ever be, I think.
Although I wouldn't describe myself as being the most intrepid of individuals, I do feel very confident dealing with this - when possible I put passports, plane tickets, extra cash etc. in the safety deposit boxes in my hotel rooms. I take what I need for the day and ensure that it and any debit or credit cards etc. are stored in the inner, zipped pockets of my special travel purse (cross body with so many layers of inner pockets secured with Velcro flaps, zippers and snaps). In crowds I always rest a hand on top. It would be very hard to rob me without a full on assault (God forbid).
Before leaving for my Rick Steves' tour and then also reinforced by Alfio, our gallant tour leader, we were warned to carry valuables in money belts and, in fact, was actually supplied one by Rick Steves. This was advice that all of us, including the main players in this drama, followed.....
So, if we all followed it, what happened? Well... even though the majority of our valuables are safe this way doesn't mean that all of them are - as fellow tour members Leonard and Diane discovered.
The "incident" had all the hallmarks of the stereotypical pickpocket maneuver. Leonard had the bulk of his valuable in his money belt but did have about 70 Euro (approx $100 Canadian) in his trouser pockets as his easily accessible 'day money'. Easily accessible? Yes, to him and to others.
What happened was that someone bumped into him. Typical. The bump or 'brush' was done with an arm that was carrying a sweater or jacket (to mask what was going on beneath). Also typical. The perpetrator was well dressed. Yes, typical again - pickpockets often dress very well to allay suspicion and put people at their ease.
As soon as Leonard felt the bump he immediately checked his pant pocket. The little button over the pocket was undone so he knew he'd been robbed. His pocket was indeed empty. What a man! He didn't waste any time and instantly grabbed the arm of the man who bumped into him!
Immediately two more (well dressed) men magically appeared on the scene.
While still gripping the man firmly, Leonard said, "Give me my money!"
Now it is not correct to suggest that Italian police or the Roman citizenship condone pickpockets - clearly they don't. However, they simply don't have the kind of resources to dedicate to these situations. Nevertheless should there be any kind of incident that involved violence then the full forces of their police would come down hard. The pickpockets of the city know this.
The man being held by Leonard put some money in Leonard's palm.
Leonard said, "There was more!"
One of the other men who had arrived stepped up and put more into Leonard's palm. Wow! The money had already in such a short amount of time been 'divided' and distributed to these two cohorts!
Leonard said, "There was more!"
The third man stepped up and put the remainder in Leonard's hand. Leonard released his grip. The pickpockets dispersed and disappeared.
Wow.
This sentiment was shared also by a little Roman lady who had stopped and witnessed the event.... Once Leonard had gotten his money she exclaimed, "BRAVO!"
Bravo indeed! Well done Leonard!
Time for a few pictures of Rome...
