In Milan, some people spray-paint pickpockets so that everyone can identify them.

[u/MobileAerie9918]

[u/AutoModerator]

Hello u/MobileAerie9918! Please review the sub rules if you haven't already. (This is an automatic reminder message left on all new posts)

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.

[u/1Crownedngroovd]

That is some weak ass spray paint. Get some day-glo bro!

[u/dayglo123 → u/1Crownedngroovd]

You called?

[u/MacaronOk9157 → u/dayglo123]

Not you dayglo, the other dayglo

[u/IMakeBaconAtHome → u/MacaronOk9157]

The 123 model really was a bad "update" on 122

[u/dayglo123 → u/IMakeBaconAtHome]

aw, man, I tried to improve on the formula but I just ended up being derivative :(

[u/IMakeBaconAtHome → u/dayglo123]

Like those questionable 2nd seasons of a tv show. Yes I'm still on board with the broader dayglo, I still need more, but this 3rd season better be awesome

[u/tw3lv3l4y3rs0fb4c0n → u/IMakeBaconAtHome]

I'd take some bacon please.

[u/KingoftheYous → u/tw3lv3l4y3rs0fb4c0n]

Is 11 layers enough? That's all we have.

[u/tw3lv3l4y3rs0fb4c0n → u/KingoftheYous]

That's a bit excessive don't you think?

[u/KingoftheYous → u/tw3lv3l4y3rs0fb4c0n]

This.... we're... You're eating at a DoznStacks sir, where everything comes in a stack of 12, 13 on every baker's day! Would a half order be alright? We sell quarter portions too, but then we'd have to take your picture and put it on the wall of lame. 😔

Let me know when you're ready 😃

[u/urethra_cum → u/MacaronOk9157]

You called?

[u/geekyheart225 → u/urethra_cum]

Babes, you only dayglow under black light

[u/abitcitrus → u/urethra_cum]

What

[u/Dayglow_Bob → u/MacaronOk9157]

Me?

[u/MacaronOk9157 → u/Dayglow_Bob]

No, not you either, the OTHER dayglo

[u/Majestic-Counter-669 → u/dayglo123]

9y account. How long you been waiting for this moment!

[u/mutatedpotatohead → u/Majestic-Counter-669]

9 years

[u/XionicativeCheran → u/mutatedpotatohead]

Bro hadn't commented in a year before this either.

[u/Informal-Ad-3 → u/XionicativeCheran]

How do you even track this when it happens!?!?

[u/bluelittrains → u/mutatedpotatohead]

big if true

[u/mufeedcm → u/Majestic-Counter-669]

2017 was 9 years ago 🥀 wth

[u/ingwarwick → u/dayglo123]

r/beetlejuicing

[u/sexxi_denuta → u/dayglo123]

Dayglo, my bro!

[u/RPDRNick → u/1Crownedngroovd]

Day-glo? That's too sexy for Milan. Too sexy for Milan, New York, and Japan.

[u/Saxboard4Cox]

I purchased an anti theft backpack, with one long zipper with a hook and an extra laptop lock, on my last visit to Rome never really expecting it to be needed. Boy was I wrong, I and my young son saw and felt the zipper being pulled non stop especially in pubic spaces and squares. I also had my phone in an anti theft lanyard around my neck and it was never touched. Happened to use the lanyard in my home town on the local metro and can confirm it worked beautifully.

Edit: Anti theft bag brand is called "Travelon" https://www.travelonbags.com/ . Please note backpacks get searched by security at heritage sites or forced coat checked at museums. A shoulder bag or purse won't get the same treatment. Some cities in Europe fine tourists for using rolling luggage (Italy, Croatia, and Greece for example). Choose your travel bag type wisely.

The anti theft lanyard came from Amazon, there are many types to choose from. Amazon also carries pickpocket proof travel clothing and vests.

Definitely get an AirTag Trackable Passport cover just in case you lose it or get robbed.

The laptop or TSA luggage lock I used was a combination lock with a short loop. Prevent snatch and go theft on public transit by looping and locking luggage handles sets together.

[u/ikkiyikki → u/Saxboard4Cox]

Always wondered if I felt a pickpocket reaching into my stuff if I reflexively clocked them if I'd be the one winding up in trouble

[u/Afterbluecomesdark → u/ikkiyikki]

I was in an escalator in Barcelona and felt someone was touching my backpack. I spun around instantly, ready to yell, and saw a bunch of men behind me all looking at me innocently. I never could have guessed which one of them had rummaged through my bag (though a zipper was indeed open).

[u/midnghtsnac → u/Afterbluecomesdark]

Was probably all of them.

[u/Used-Acanthisitta-96 → u/ikkiyikki]

I caught a pickpocket in the Philippines. He ended up with a broken arm. Just saying.

[u/PuzzyFussy → u/Used-Acanthisitta-96]

Love that for them

[u/MouldyEjaculate → u/ikkiyikki]

I yelled (Some select words) at a group of pickpockets in France when they tried to raid my family's bags and the police came and asked me to not yell at people. They didn't really care that the pickpockets were still roaming around in plain view.

[u/CuriousButNotJewish → u/MouldyEjaculate]

If you hurt the pickpockets you go to jail.

[u/Altheix11 → u/MouldyEjaculate]

Another reason to hate the Fr*nch

[u/Plasticfoods-_ → u/ikkiyikki]

It Italy and Spain, absolutely. Countless examples of people having to pay back the thiefs that assaulted/robbed them

It's the whole reason those serial thieving communities exist in those places.

They wouldn't last long in a country where everyone is packing and allowed to use violence as self defense.

[u/the_eleutherean → u/Plasticfoods-_]

Some countries have people who pick fights with tourists, just so they can sue them when they get hurt. Wild way to do a scam

[u/seayourcashflyaway → u/Plasticfoods-_]

There’s definitely one dude in Barcelona I often fantasize about having shot.

[u/Personal_Benefit_402 → u/ikkiyikki]

I was in an airport in China, standing in line at a ticket counter. At the bottom of my vision, I saw a hand reaching down low towards the handle of my suitcase. I did an instinctive Mr. Miyagi Wax On/Off swat and knocked the hand away. I was amazed at how well it worked.

The problem was, it was a guy reaching for his own suitcase, not mine. I was really embarrassed.

[u/MiserableCumberbunch → u/[deleted]]

Strange request, but I'm a people pleaser.

[u/Tifoso89 → u/[deleted]]

And even if you see someone doing something, hitting them is unlawful.

This is not true. Using force is considered self-defence if you're preventing a theft. Obviously the force has to be proportionate.

I'm talking about Italy, which is what the post is about, and where I'm from. May be different in other countries

[u/chiree → u/[deleted]]

The problem with being shitty to strangers is statistically, you'll eventually piss off a total psychopath. If someone is being totally crazy towards you, simply one-up them and act crazier. These people thrive on the consistency of most people being good, and will back down the second it becomes a challenge.

[u/Hot-Frosting-5286 → u/[deleted]]

OK but he has a valid point that sometimes it's not the answer. Keyword: SOMETIMES. I mean, you used that hedge word yourself so you technically already agreed. His main point seemed more so to be not to act on impulse or reflexively punch someone. I mean, you CAN. It will be you facing the consequences, not anyone else

[u/oceanman500 → u/[deleted]]

You might be right but the issue is when people adopt that mindset and start clocking people without good reason I think

[u/YouSmellLikeHospitol → u/[deleted]]

I’m torn: on one hand, I want to upvote you because you’re right. On the other, I really cringe at people saying to downvote them…

What should I do?

[u/Thaknobodi87 → u/YouSmellLikeHospitol]

I understand the desire to call out downvoters. So no conflict from me, upvote.

[u/Actual-Acanthaceae72 → u/Saxboard4Cox]

Idk if it's my looks or what, but I'm and American who lived in Europe for years (spent 3 yrs in a pickpockety city), visited Rome on holiday several times, never got pick pocketed once. Not even attempts. 

If there is a trick, is guess the trick is to walk with purpose and not stop in crowds oggling stuff. Whenever I stop anywhere the backpack comes off and goes between my feet (gives more space to people in the crowd anyway, I hate my backpack shoving into people in the metro or in a crowded plaza). 

[u/Helena911 → u/Actual-Acanthaceae72]

My trick is to look poor AF so they don't think I'm worth targeting.

[u/Thisdarlingdeer → u/Helena911]

My trick is that I look like a thief, and im picking the pickpocket pockets.

So double whammy!

[u/ddddan11111 → u/Thisdarlingdeer]

You should spray-paint your jacket for the full effect!

[u/angwilwileth → u/Helena911]

I have a "hobo jacket" specifically for this.

[u/__boringusername__ → u/Helena911]

Look?

[u/SinoSoul → u/Helena911]

Pickpockets hate this 1 trick… that doesn’t work.

We are an unflashy fam wearing the most boring clothes from Gap/uniqlo and plain sneakers, with no jewelry on anyone, not even watches — still got pickpocket attempts in Madrid.

[u/jimmycarr1 → u/Actual-Acanthaceae72]

They go for the low hanging fruit. If you are sober, healthy and don't look lost and confused then there is probably an easier victim nearby.

[u/PorFavorNoMore → u/jimmycarr1]

They can keep their hands off my low hanging fruit

[u/CaptSlow49 → u/jimmycarr1]

I think one of the biggest ones is people just being aloof and distracted. I’ve not ever had an issue or had someone try to pickpocket me (to my knowledge) in my many trips to Europe. I make sure in busy areas I’m clearly not looking down at my phone or something even though I probably look like a tourist.

Now the issue I have had is people trying to cut line not expecting me to give them shit over it. Italians love cutting lines. They also fold quickly and play dumb.

[u/astervista → u/Actual-Acanthaceae72]

There aren't any true and tried methods, but not looking like a gullible tourist helps. Flip-flops, hats like you are either a fisherman or from Bridgerton, bedazzled phone covers, stopping at touristy spots looking like you've never seen a fountain in your life really don't do you any favors.

In general, the best trick is to look like you belong to the place. If you don't look like you're a lost duckling in the middle of the ocean, you likely won't be a target.

[u/CaughtALiteSneez → u/Saxboard4Cox]

Live in Europe, been in Rome and Italy many times and I’ve never once been pickpocketed.

Not sure why, maybe they target obvious tourists or I am just very aware of my surroundings (I am).

[u/wakner → u/CaughtALiteSneez]

I'm European (live in America tho) and witnessed so much crime while we were there. I was stupid and had a regular zip backpack, and someone tried to steal my shit while I was wearing it. Luckily I had just bought one of those sexy priest calendars as a gag gift for our catsitter, and had it folded over the top layer of stuff in my bag as it wouldn't fit - I guess the pickpocket didn't have the skill to navigate past it in the few seconds they had. We still talk about how the sexy priests protected us on that trip.

We also saw a whole coordinated situation in a nice restaurant where the people on one side of us stole the bag of the people on the other side. There were clearly several groups placed around who were in on it. The poor lady was so upset as she'd JUST arrived for her daughter's graduation.

Rome felt kinda slimy and risky, glad we got to do it but I wouldn't go back.

[u/kellyoohh → u/wakner]

I was in Rome a few months ago and those sexy priest calendars were hilarious.

I was lucky to not have any attempts but likely because I was over prepared for the possibility (lanyard on my phone, anti theft purse kept close to my body, situational awareness, etc.)

[u/faberkyx → u/CaughtALiteSneez]

lived in rome for 30 years and never got smth stolen, and I worked for 10 years near spanish steps..so it coulnd't be more touristic than that.. but they probably target american tourists.. it's extremely easy to spot them

[u/Kwinten → u/faberkyx]

They target Americans because they carry around shittons of money in cash and most Europeans would be barely carrying anything worth taking because they pay by card. And phones are barely worth stealing nowadays with how easy they are to track down and lock remotely.

[u/toss_me_good → u/Kwinten]

Lol the Germans would disagree. They carry around cash at home let alone during travels

[u/neat_hairclip → u/Saxboard4Cox]

Rome is notorious for pickpockets. When visiting with a group we experienced it first hand too. When going around with locals less so.
But mind you this was 20 years ago, and it seems not much changed.

[u/Radioactivocalypse → u/neat_hairclip]

I was in Rome last year, and can confirm they are still everywhere. I watched 2 pickpocket attempts, lots of money scams (here have this free gift... now pay!) and I was also pickpocketed despite being insanely on the ball and very cautious.

What makes it worse is that I didn't know where it happened. If I clocked the person, at least it would have settled it in my mind. But it really shook me up as to not knowing how it happened

[u/Pretty-Yam-2854 → u/Saxboard4Cox]

Pubic spaces 😭

[u/Admirable_Resort_324]

Are all these videos of the same dude?

[u/Extreme-Clerk-7333 → u/Admirable_Resort_324]

That's what I'm saying, how did he find so many of them?

[u/Motorcyclegrrl → u/Extreme-Clerk-7333]

There are a lot of them there.

[u/SquirrelMemoryFail → u/Motorcyclegrrl]

I would imagine so it being a big tourist area ripe for the pickings.

[u/Wide-Combination-322 → u/SquirrelMemoryFail]

There’s an entire community of pickpockets in Roma and Paris.

[u/brooklynlad → u/Wide-Combination-322]

Don’t forget Barcelona.

[u/hygsi → u/brooklynlad]

Funny enough, when I was in Barcelona at the famous street a lady told me my bag was undone and started lecturing me that this is why some many tourists get robbed lmao. Nice lady and glad she warned me cause I didn't know it was the no.1 spot in all the world for pickpocketing until she told me.

[u/DocKla → u/hygsi]

Another nice lady give me that advice when I was 18. I then promptly elbowed whoever was near me right then and there and the lady gave me a thumbs up after!

[u/Bonfirelily → u/DocKla]

Another old lady gave me that advice once and promptly stole my phone.

[u/Bazzness → u/hygsi]

I was at a restaurant in Barcelona and I left my phone on the table to go see what my daughter had found. I got about a meter away and the waitress shouted to me “Pick up your phone now!” While walking towards the table.

[u/georgecm12 → u/Bazzness]

Yikes. I don't even leave my phone sitting on the table unattended where I work and I know everyone. I would never leave it sitting unattended in a big city like that.

[u/YallGottaUnderstand → u/georgecm12]

Reminds me of when my girlfriend and I were at the State Fair and she left her phone on a picnic table and didn't realize it until about 30 minutes later. Made me haul ass back there to check if it was still there lol. A whole ass family was just chilling at the table with it still sitting there and was like "We figured someone would come back soon, we kept an eye on it for you." Super lucky.

[u/C_Terror → u/georgecm12]

That's such a contrast in crime rates. In East Asia like SG and HK, people leave their phones on the food court table as placeholders to keep their seat while they go grab their food.

[u/MyPhoneIsNotChinese → u/Bazzness]

As someone from Barcelona I don't know what were you thinking I would never leave anything in a table unattended

[u/iciboy → u/hygsi]

When i was in Barcelona with my family, my mum had her purse nicked on the train. Little did he know it was filled with nothing Hut hair clips! We always just about how theirs a guy with loads of pink hair clips walking around the city

[u/Icy-Variation6614 → u/hygsi]

A dude in New Orleans, while on vacation advised my husband and I put our phones and wallets in our front pockets to be safe. I appreciate that guy, and I still do that.

[u/Comfortable-Fun1726 → u/Icy-Variation6614]

Why anyone would put them anywhere else is simply beyond me.

[u/sleepy_spermwhale → u/Icy-Variation6614]

Why would anyone put their phone or wallet in their back pocket? You like sitting on them?

[u/WarthogSeveral7662 → u/brooklynlad]

I got "bumped" more times than I can count in Barcelona. However, I was trained in Juarez Mexico by my grandmother on how to foil such lame attempts. Moneybelt under my clothes and backpack purse worn backwards on my front. I also carried a clear shopping-type bag with my water, coat, worthless stuff. This was what they usually went for. Everytime they would "bump" me I would step backwards heavily onto their toe, laugh and apologize in a broad Texas drawl

[u/Odd-Sage1 → u/brooklynlad]

Madrid too. It's a good idea.

[u/FineCall → u/Wide-Combination-322]

And Athens. And Venice.

[u/Findyourwayhom3333 → u/FineCall]

I did a walking tour in Athens where the guide warned us about pickpockets. She told a story of being suspicious of a particular couple so she discreetly called the tourist police.

Police grabbed the couple and emptied their bag, that was full of people’s stuff.

The remarkable part of the story was that they had the tour guide’s wallet too. She said ‘20 people were looking at me and following me for the tour but still no-one noticed my money getting stolen, not even me!’

[u/TheShakyHandsMan → u/FineCall]

London and Ibiza too. Basically any tourist hotspot.

This is why I have my phone clipped to a lanyard on my belt if I’m ever in one of these high risk areas.

[u/Homers_Harp → u/Wide-Combination-322]

I was in a heavily touristed area in Firenze, just admiring the art (Donatello's bronze sacristy doors) and as I turned away, a bunch of people in the crowd—like, a half-dozen—all started making the same tuneless whistle. As they did, the whistlers all scattered. And then I saw the police walking up and realized what was happening…

[u/Sea-Machine-8989 → u/Homers_Harp]

You see something similar by the Eiffel Tower in Paris, lots of people selling cheap souvenirs on the streets. They all have the souvenirs on a blanket of sorts which they quickly pack up and throw over their shoulders as soon as someone warns them the police are nearby and as soon as the police are gone they come back and unpack their stuff.

[u/1PsychoCat → u/Sea-Machine-8989]

We were on the hill in Paris at the cathedral and one of these guys grabbed me by the wrist to try to sell one of those cheap bracelets by putting it on me, apparently thinking he would demonstrate how cool this cheap shit is and I came unglued at him, cussed at him and screamed at him not to touch me. Caused a scene. Everyone in the crowd was looking. He got the hint, but I have no doubt that it didn’t stop him from trying it again on someone else. The police wandered through the area about 10 minutes later, not in response to my outburst of course, and the cockroaches and their blankets full of bootleg shit scattered temporarily. If you want to try to sell me something, fine. Don’t grab me by the arm thinking you’re going to get away with it. Who knows if one of his partners would try to pickpocket me while he had me distracted.

[u/Callidonaut → u/1PsychoCat]

I think the idea of physically foisting that crap into your hands or onto your body is that they can then insist you accepted it and accuse you of withholding payment for your purchase.

Even if you don't fall for that gaslighting (and some people probably are thrown off-balance by it enough to panic and pay up for fear of being arrested for making off without payment), you'll be distracted and using your mental energy to deal with it, which probably then makes it easier for any other pickpocket to swoop in from behind without being noticed.

[u/buzzingbeeches → u/Homers_Harp]

In Venice i was standing by some small shopping kiosks near the docks waiting on my group to leave and saw a person standing around watching people. A moment later a whistle went off and that person plus a bunch of people started running to grab peoples purchases and things that patrons had sat down at their feet or on seats next to them. I quickly grabbed my own things and the person i was watching detoured from coming at me.

In Rome i had a single euro in my back pocket and was wearing some tight jeans on a crowded bus. I was standing in front of a sitting nun in a blue habit waiting for my stop when i feel the man behind me poking my ass cheek trying to move the coin! I turn my head and torso to look at him and he stops. When i turn back around the nun is giving me a frown like im the one that did something?

I dont know if it's NY born self awareness or what. Just keep an eye on your stuff at all time and take the advice seriously.

[u/Kuraloordi → u/[deleted]]

Back in like 2013 i was in concert. After i went into McDonalds which was backed full. Suddenly i noticed someones hand in my tigh, then pulled the hand out and watched me in disgust only to leave in hurry.

My keys had drilled open the pocket of my cheap pants. :D

[u/vivienleigh12 → u/Kuraloordi]

Omg that’s so creepy and like extra violative

[u/JensenRaylight → u/Wide-Combination-322]

dang, they even got a Thief's guild there? what is this? skyrim?

[u/_lippykid → u/[deleted]]

I get pick pocketing years ago when people carried loads of cash, but what’s the point now?

[u/Few_Historian_1546 → u/_lippykid]

Asian tourists are usually kinda naive and carry loads of cash around.

They are also trusting, and some get "help" when buying tickets from machines.

The help is actually pickpocketers watching where they stash their wallets.

[u/ittakesaredditor → u/Few_Historian_1546]

Shepherding my middle aged asian parents through Venice and Paris was eye opening into how naive they were - despite one of them having worked intermittently in Europe for the last 30 years (in fact, we were there partially for his business meetings). Caught the last train back to our hotel from Venice Central Station - some dude offered help at the ticketing machines and I chased him away and only paid with my card when he had disappeared. In Paris, they wanted to stop at one of those 3 cup games, had to tell them EVERYONE around the table was a part of the grift or a pickpocket. Played the game with them instead back at our hotel that night, won myself a few Euro.

[u/Obi_wan_jabroni87 → u/_lippykid]

Phones and credit cards

[u/_lippykid → u/Obi_wan_jabroni87]

But both of those can be bricked in no time at all and become totally worthless (or a means to track the robber)

[u/SadStudent6543 → u/_lippykid]

You can buy a lot of stuff with the credit card before the person even notices they lost their wallet.

[u/Lundetangen → u/_lippykid]

How quickly do you brick your phone and credit card when you are on the street in Barcelona without a phone?

[u/Skullcrimp → u/_lippykid]

Cool, tell that to the pickpockets.

[u/New_Libran → u/_lippykid]

But both of those can be bricked in no time

Not fast enough, they're incredibly fast and have some equipment they use to get all the info they want immediately. A colleague recently got his phone stolen and before he could block his cards (not instant) and phone, they've raided his accounts. It's shocking.

[u/Alaea → u/_lippykid]

Phones can be sold for parts.

[u/Azgabeth → u/_lippykid]

I think you'd be surprised just how many people, especially the elder still carry cash.

[u/camerontylek → u/_lippykid]

Hmmm, what expensive thing could every single person now be carrying around with them 🤔

[u/MedievalMilshake → u/Extreme-Clerk-7333]

It's not hard to find a pickpocket in places like that. Put a fucking pound coin in your pocket n they'll try take it 

[u/WindowNo6601 → u/Extreme-Clerk-7333]

You can make a whole youtube channel just for this

[u/Tanuwukikuma → u/Admirable_Resort_324]

Diego Galdino his channel is Pickpocketlondon

There are many dudes who dedicated their life's to hunt pickpockets. There is a couple who does it in Italy etc. they are funded by the citizen supporting them with money.

Tyler Oliveira has a series where he hunts scammers with bodyguards, a fart spray and a water gun filled with something ugly.(Can't remember) He also interviews other Scam/pickpocket hunters. Is funny and worth watching.

[u/PurpleDillyDo → u/Tanuwukikuma]

Found my new channel!

[u/SexyLunas → u/Admirable_Resort_324]

a lot of them are out there

[u/Brief_Article_6075 → u/Admirable_Resort_324]

All faces are different and they are pretty thick skinned especially the last one

[u/twiltywilty → u/Admirable_Resort_324]

What if they accidentally spray a non pickpocket or make a mistake?

[u/MrArchivity → u/twiltywilty]

These guys are known so it is doubtful he sprayed someone innocent. Just some time ago there was news on Italian newspaper about a lady that was already arrested over 150 times for pickpocketing and released because pregnant

[u/Current-Mood2757]

The person spray-painting them must be huge/intimidating. They try to run instead of fighting back.

[u/M8C → u/Current-Mood2757]

Some of the anti pickpocket guys on youtube have body guards that walk with them but It mostly seems like the pickpockets don’t want to make a scene and they don’t like having their faces filmed so they run.

[u/Nervous-Double8989 → u/[deleted]]

Naturally, stealing from someone with force or the threat of force is robbery.

[u/GhormanFront → u/Current-Mood2757]

There is no up side to getting into a fight for them, as cops will inevitably get involved to break up the fight and criminals have vested interests in not being detained by cops

[u/Sandlot96]

Bro really hit him with the 🤌🏼

[u/MissingVanSushi → u/Sandlot96]

Dominick Decocco. 🤌🏼

[u/DickyD43 → u/MissingVanSushi]

Gor-laah-mi

[u/Curious_Search_216 → u/MissingVanSushi]

"Bravo!!"

[u/WinterApplication855 → u/Sandlot96]

I can only guess that the guy randomly sprayed him still his reaction is fucking hilarious

[u/G3nghisKang → u/WinterApplication855]

The 🤌 gesture means "what the fuck are you talking about?", pretty usual reaction

[u/WinterApplication855 → u/G3nghisKang]

In Mexico it's more of a warning sign that an ass whooping is about to start

[u/Charming_Opinion6754]

Love this for the crooks

[u/Ok_Introduction5606]

It’s an organized movement in Europe several of these guys have big social media following and yes you can look at their films and see the evidence of the stealing. And yes a lot of the pick pocketers are the same people day in day out. Locals know who they are and metro security often recognize them. No police often don’t get involved in Spain and Italy

[u/Ascertes_Hallow → u/Ok_Introduction5606]

They don't get involved and we wonder why Europe has a pickpocket problem...

[u/a_knightingale → u/Ascertes_Hallow]

Ah yes the great European country, were you can make one statement for all.

In all seriousness, half Europe has almost no problems with pickpocketing. It's not so simple.

[u/StandardBEnjoyer → u/Ascertes_Hallow]

"Europe" doesn't have a pickpocket problem, mr bald eagle. A couple of select countries, sure.

[u/Praesentius → u/StandardBEnjoyer]

It's not even countries. It's just heavy tourist locations. I live in Italy and haven't really even seen any pickpockets and I'm around Pisa and Florence quite often, as I live between them. My wife caught someone with their hand in her bag on a train once many years ago.

But, I also lived in Washington DC for ~15 years and I spotted way more pickpockets there when traveling on the metro near the city center. I'm not saying that DC is worse than Rome. Just that it's a high-traffic tourist issue, not a country issue.

[u/Freestila → u/Ascertes_Hallow]

Not sure about Italy, but I'm from Germany so let me compare that to my European country.

Europe and many other countries have a different jail system then America. As far as I know from America, you go to jail directly from police for like literally any offense. A thief would be taken directly to jail first, later to a judge who would decide how much he has to pay to get out of jail until the real case is handled by a judge.

In Europe/ Germany, let's say you catch a thief and call the police. They will come, write down the name and address of the person. In some cases they take them to a police station for that. If they are aggressive and drunk, they might spend the night there getting sober. But for every other case they are free to go. To go to jail before a judge has ruled on your offense, first a judge needs to rule that you are either dangerous for other people (murder etc) , there is a high risk you would flee the country or destroy evidence / influence witnesses. So jail before the actual trial is really only for serious crimes.

This might be a problem with offenders who just continue committing crimes. Not unusual to have people commit more theft while waiting for their first trial. This of course will heavy influence how the trial goes, but for some this does not matter.

Personally although it sometimes feels wrong to let people out from police to directly commit the next crime, I think the American system of jailing everyone that does not have money to be far worse.

[u/vteezy99 → u/Freestila]

This seems like a case of getting all your info about a country via Reddit. No, you don't go to jail directly from police from any offense. No we don't jail everyone that does not have money.

[u/wowthatsucked → u/Freestila]

As far as I know from America, you go to jail directly from police for like literally any offense.

No. Court summons or "notice to appear" are a thing.

[u/Practical_Law6804 → u/Freestila]

As far as I know from America, you go to jail directly from police for like literally any offense.

Not literally any offense.

A thief would be taken directly to jail first, later to a judge who would decide how much he has to pay to get out of jail until the real case is handled by a judge.

Literally what would happen in the United States.

[u/Savings-Motor-7397]

It's so ridiculous how civilians have to go out of their way to do this shit instead of the police and justice system actually doing their jobs

[u/methlabz]

Loving this trend of harassing the harassers

[u/Dazzling-Escape8820]

My Sister had a pickpocket try and take her bag in Barcelona, she sort of felt tugging, looked down and a really petite old lady was pulling and sort of grunting at her trying to get the bag, my Sister called for her Husband to come and help but he’d walked a bit further ahead to look at something and couldn’t hear her, so my Sister was just stood in a crowd of people trying to keep hold of her bag as this tiny little old lady tried to wrestle it from her shoulder and would not let go, she was shouting my Brother in Law’s name repeatedly whilst looking at the  lady exclaiming, “Why are you so strong when you are so small?! Get off!” 

People around her stood and watched the entire incident really amused apparently 🤷🏻‍♀️ eventually my Sister managed to pull away from the lady and shouted at her to go away, then ran to catch up with her Husband who was completely oblivious and asked why she looked so flustered 😂

[u/FutureDustMotes → u/Dazzling-Escape8820]

Husband situational awareness oof

[u/Dazzling-Escape8820 → u/FutureDustMotes]

He’s an absolute sweetheart and they’ve been together for over 20 years, but her description of him being completely clueless whilst she wrestled her bag away from a freakishly strong miniature old lady had me crying with laughter. 

My Husband would have gone the other way, he wouldn’t have left my side but would somehow befriend the elderly pick pocket to understand why she steals and no doubt end up invited back to hers for a home cooked meal/guest at some sort of major family celebration 😅

[u/chocolatesmelt]

Does Milan have a higher rate of pickpockets? I’ve been around Italy walking a lot and had no issues. Didn’t go to Milan.

[u/billyoshin → u/chocolatesmelt]

I was more concerned about pick pockets in Paris and not Milan, Milan was pretty chill to me.

[u/OnceUpunATimeline → u/billyoshin]

Yes, Paris is often listed as the worst in Europe. Rome is bad as well. Both strong the tourists spots, like the Eiffel tower or the Trevi fountain. In Milan they caution you to be very aware at the Central Station.

[u/suchabadamygdala → u/OnceUpunATimeline]

We had pickpocket attempts in Paris x2, once in the Metro and another in line at the Louvre. We had a pickpocket put his hand into my husband’s front pocket on the Metro in Roma. All in super crowded, squashed situations. It’s real. Money belt works great

[u/No-Apple-2581 → u/OnceUpunATimeline]

Barcelona is pretty bad as well. A friend of mine has been three times - first time her phone was stolen, second time her wallet, and third time her passport and her wallet.

And that's it - she said she's never going to Barcelona again lol.

[u/Sitka_8675309 → u/No-Apple-2581]

Well, she can’t. She has no passport.

[u/barefootcuntessa_ → u/No-Apple-2581]

I’ve been to several large European cities and I’ve definitely sensed some people testing me for a scam a time or two, but (knock wood) no one has ever put hands on me. I’ve been to Barcelona, Rome, Paris, London, Florence, some of these places more than once. Maybe I’m just lucky, but hearing some of these folks talking about getting hit more than once is wild to me. It makes me sad about Barcelona as well, it’s my favorite place on the planet.

[u/AlienDragonWizard → u/billyoshin]

Paris has those stupid guys with the "free" bracelets too.  

[u/FlimsyYou4766 → u/AlienDragonWizard]

They are everywhere. It's a shame the police don't do anything about that.

[u/RecoveringGachaholic → u/chocolatesmelt]

Might depend on where exactly you visit or how you look or even if it's the season for it. Rome can actually be insane around crowded touristy areas like the colloseum.

I kept my wallet etc in a little bag that attached to my belt and went inside my shorts. For fun I bought a dirt cheap wallet and put it in my back pocket and it was gone on the first day. Nothing in it but a bunch of folded up broucheurs to make it lumpy though.

Funny thing is that I really tried to be vigilant and notice it because I don't usually have a wallet in my back pocket.

[u/eW4GJMqscYtbBkw9 → u/chocolatesmelt]

Been to Milan multiple times and had zero issues. 

[u/IWontSurvive_Right → u/chocolatesmelt]

No, same rate as any big european city. Paris is worse.

[u/Nom_de_guerre_25]

How do we know they're pickpockets?

[u/Some-Dog-800 → u/Nom_de_guerre_25]

most of them are repeat offenders. these vigilantes already have a massive list on these asshats.

[u/Nuclear_Varmint → u/Nom_de_guerre_25]

They were picking pockets

[u/ouroborosstruggles → u/Nom_de_guerre_25]

They dont say "no, stop I didnt do anything" lol the guy on the train had just given up

[u/Yomommassis → u/Nom_de_guerre_25]

There are channels that just record pickpockets and call them out

They frequent specific areas and hit you when you are the most distracted, scrambling to board a train then they squeeze in behind you all while swiping you up and down

In the videos a lot of the time it's the same repeat offenders over and over

[u/No-Parking-5556 → u/Yomommassis]

Ohhhhh you just put something together for me… o was going on a train from Naples to Sorrento at night and didn’t at the time realize how much I stood out as a tourist… a man was DEFINITELY clocking my movements. Last second I jumped into the car next to me & he could t catch up. I was always afraid for my safety and to this day it still bothers me. Maybe he was just attempting to pickpocket! (And a bad one at that since I kept moving away haha). That actually makes me feel a little better. lol.

[u/Jolly_Ad1631 → u/Nom_de_guerre_25]

You could blindly spray 100 people around the station without a bag in Milan and be confident 99 of them are pick pockets.

[u/FlimsyYou4766 → u/Nom_de_guerre_25]

These pickpockets are there everyday. Most local know them.

[u/LCEKU2019]

I find it odd none of them started a fight over that. I guess it wouldn’t be a smart choice but still.

[u/M8C → u/LCEKU2019]

Most of these pick pocket hunter guys carry pepper spray.

[u/PinkSlimeIsPeople]

For those that have never experienced pick pockets before, they are GOOD at their craft. They have to be. Sometimes you can fell the hand as it's coming out of your pocket, but usually not. They have numerous expert level tricks and skills to lift your valuables.

In Italy, I couldn't tell who was doing it so would walk in random ways on busy streets whenever someone got close to disrupt any possible thieves. I'm sure I looked like an idiot though.

[u/Beleiverofhumanity]

Shame is a decent solution

[u/suchabadamygdala → u/Beleiverofhumanity]

They are absolutely shameless! It’s more about a public warning

[u/BruisendTablet → u/Beleiverofhumanity]

It's not about shame, they don't feel shame. It's a warning to the public.

[u/DrMoBueno]

It was my understanding the vast majority of pickpockets in Italy are pregnant women. Judges don’t want to sentence pregnant women to jail so they’re back plying their trade immediately.

[u/littlebrownsnail → u/DrMoBueno]

Spray them with fart spray.

[u/Drakore4]

I feel like it’d be impossible to discern between someone trying to mark thieves and someone just trolling with spray paint.

[u/adminsreachout]

Love it. Go on the offensive

[u/Bionic_Push]

so what happens after?

[u/lilsnatchsniffz → u/Necessary_Goose6933]

If you're old enough you might remember a long time ago there was a very viral story about an African doctor that had created anti-rape devices for women that would trap the would be violators' member and required a hospital trip to remove, maybe we could scale that up into a bag.

It would be an amusing full circle moment since the original invention basically took its inspiration from finger traps.

[u/Catlagoon]

I feel like if this was in the States they're be some BRUTAL fist fights and people getting shot a lot more than now.

[u/redditanddoneit]

Damn great idea!

[u/Kazen_Bazen]

If all the big cities would have some people doing this it could make a serious dent in pickpocketing. Good job painters :)

[u/MindYourBizness649]

Ladies, Travelon makes great purses with mesh and wire in the lining of the material and locking zippers. I’ve taken mine to Paris, Barcelona, Athens, Rome, Venice, Florence, London, etc., several times since the early 2000’s. Never been pickpocketed.

[u/landofpleasantdreams]

Good

[u/Junior_Zebra_4608]

"Shit, they pickpocketed my spray paint"

[u/zorg-is-real]

I was in Rome and I saw a pickpocket in action 

[u/DesperateCoffee30]

Shame them

[u/jsnystro]

Had a pickpocket attempt made on me 2 weeks ago. He tried to nick my phone from my front pocket.
I knuckle rapped him and he took off holding his hand.

Obviously he was not a very good pickpocket.

[u/MoMo-D-Tempest]

Uhhh i think this dude is mostly just spraying random people.

[u/tacorunnr → u/MoMo-D-Tempest]

Nope. Theyres a freakishly large amount of pickpockets there.

[u/Sad_Photograph_6130 → u/MoMo-D-Tempest]

no, he has a yt channel, look him up, and he shows them pickpocketing something before he sprays them