A traveler in Rome has shared a serious caution for other vacationers heading to the Italian capital after enduring a frightening incident during her holiday. Caroline Jansson took to TikTok to disclose that she had been a victim of a complete theft of her personal items and advised others visiting the city to remain vigilant about their surroundings.
In a video, Caroline stated, “I just spoke with the police and they informed me that thieves specifically target tourists.” She emphasized that individuals with rental cars should be particularly alert after discovering at the police station that many others had experienced theft of luggage directly from their hired vehicles.
“I spoke with a woman who had her handbag stolen when she turned around to take a photo,” Caroline added. Additionally, she mentioned an incident where a man had his wallet and passport taken from his hand, urging everyone to be extremely cautious and watch out for each other and each other’s belongings since everything they had brought for the trip was now missing.
Caroline disclosed that she had lost various valuables, including her iPad and two laptops, in the European hotspot. Fortunately, one of the laptops was a MacBook, which allowed her to track it down inside one of the stolen bags. However, it was found abandoned in a ditch with her other belongings nowhere to be found.
“We will keep working with the police and see how it progresses,” Caroline stated, urging her followers to be on the lookout for her missing luggage if they happen to be in Rome.
In response, another tourist shared their own theft encounter in Rome, where they were robbed at the train station but managed to recover their belongings with the help of an officer who noticed a suspicious individual with a bag that did not match their appearance.
Another individual mentioned being robbed, having their van vandalized, and losing various possessions with no police assistance even though they were in a secure, patrolled car park.
Meanwhile, a third TikTok user cautioned about a pickpocketing attempt they faced on a crowded bus, advising others to be cautious and keep their belongings close at all times.
The UK government’s foreign travel advice section provides guidance for visitors to Rome, warning about thefts from parked cars, especially in certain areas like the Colosseum, Ostia, Milan, and Pisa. Travelers are urged not to leave luggage in their vehicles unattended, even in the trunk, due to the high risk of theft.
To minimize personal risk, visitors are advised to remain vigilant and avoid potential distractions or scams by thieves who may use various tactics to target tourists.
