A traveler in Rome has issued a serious caution to other vacationers heading to the Italian capital after undergoing a frightening incident during her holiday. Caroline Jansson took to TikTok to disclose that she had been robbed of all her personal belongings and advised fellow visitors to remain vigilant in their surroundings.
“I just spoke with the police, and they informed me that thieves specifically target tourists,” she shared in a video. She elaborated that those with rental cars should be particularly cautious after discovering at the police station that many others had been victims of luggage theft directly from their hired vehicles.
“I spoke to a woman who had her handbag stolen when she turned around to take a photo,” Caroline recounted.
“There was also a man who had his wallet and passport taken from his hand – so it’s crucial to be extremely alert and watch out for each other and each other’s bags because everything we had brought for the trip is now missing,” she added.
Caroline disclosed that as a result, she had lost several valuables, including her iPad and two laptops, in the European hotspot. Fortunately, one of the laptops was a MacBook, allowing her to track it down inside one of the stolen bags – only to find it abandoned in a ditch without any sign of her other belongings.
“We will keep communicating with the police and see how it progresses,” Caroline stated, urging her followers to be on the lookout for her luggage if they happen to be in Rome.
In response, another tourist shared their own theft experience in Rome. “We were robbed at the Rome train station,” they revealed. “Luckily, an officer spotted a man with a bag that didn’t match his appearance, and we were able to retrieve it. We were fortunate.”
Another individual also shared, “We were victims of theft; our van was vandalized, and they stole phones, iPads, handbags, money, and cameras. The police showed no interest. We were in a secure patrolled parking lot.”
Meanwhile, a third TikTok user issued a warning: “A group of three attempted to pickpocket my husband and me on a very crowded bus. Stay cautious, keep your belongings close, and remain vigilant.”
The UK government’s foreign travel advice section provides guidance for those visiting Rome. They advise that thefts from parked cars are common in Rome, especially in areas like the Colosseum, Ostia, Milan, and Pisa. Travelers are also warned about thieves targeting coastal regions, towns, and highway service stations. It is recommended to avoid leaving luggage in vehicles, even if hidden in the trunk, for any period.
To mitigate personal risks, travelers are advised to be cautious as thieves may use various tactics to distract or deceive, such as asking for assistance or directions, or pointing out a fictitious issue with the vehicle.