Tourists warned of pickpocketing risks as peak season begins

As the tourist season intensifies, popular destinations are becoming magnets for pickpockets and thieves, posing a risk to travelers' belongings. Crowded squares, beaches, and attractions are prime targets, where wallets, phones, and passports can disappear in seconds. The article provides advice to ensure vacations remain pleasant experiences, free from the distress of theft.

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The number of pickpocketings and thefts of bags and backpacks in Italy has significantly increased in recent years, especially in large cities, tourist areas, streets and public transport.

Pickpockets often operate in crowded environments such as airports, bus and train stations, public transport, and busy tourist sites. Their primary targets are cash, mobile phones, and identification documents. Aleksandar Seničić, director of the National Association of Travel Agencies JUTA, noted instances where thieves have targeted apartments, advising ground-floor residents to secure doors and windows. He also mentioned the use of knockout sprays by criminals, urging travelers to use hotel safes, which are typically inexpensive.

Italy is highlighted as a particularly high-risk destination, with cities like Rome, Milan, and Venice seeing frequent incidents on public transport and at tourist attractions. According to Italian statistics, about 5.3% of residents in large cities have been victims of pickpocketing, a rate more than double the national average. A significant portion of these crimes, 34.7%, are committed by undocumented foreign nationals. Crowded historical centers and public transport offer ideal conditions for such activities.

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Our citizens in such circumstances must contact our consulate or embassy, whichever is closer to them at that moment.

To mitigate the impact of lost or stolen documents, travelers are advised to photograph or copy their passports, ID cards, and other important documents. In case of theft, the immediate steps include reporting the incident to local police and contacting the nearest Serbian embassy or consulate. Seničić emphasized the importance of being informed before traveling and maintaining vigilance over personal belongings.

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We advise that you photograph all personal documents and keep them on your phone or have copies with you – passport, ID card or, if necessary, citizenship.