A holidaymaker in Rome has issued a warning to all other tourists heading to the Italian capital after being subjected to a terrifying ordeal during her trip.
Caroline Jansson took to TikTok to reveal that she had “robbed of all of her personal belongings” and advised anyone else in the city to be careful of their surroundings. “I’ve just been with the police and they told me they [thieves] specifically target tourists,” she began in a video.
She continued, explaining that those with rental cars should remain particularly vigilant after discovering at the police station that several others had been victims of suitcase theft directly from their hired vehicles. “I talked to one woman who turned around to take a picture and she had her handbag stolen,” Caroline continued.
“There was another man who had his wallet and passport stolen out of his hand – so be very vigilant and look out for each other and each others’ suitcases because literally everything we had with us for the trip is now gone.”
Caroline added that as a result, she had lost several valuables including her iPad and two laptops. Fortunately one of those was a MacBook, allowing her to track and locate it inside one of the stolen bags – only to discover it had been dumped in a ditch with no sign of her other possessions.
“We’re going to continue talking to the police and see how it goes,” Caroline added, before making a desperate plea to her viewers to be on the lookout for her suitcases should they be in the Rome area.
Writing in response, another Rome visitor shared their similar story. “We were robbed in the Rome train station,” they said. “Luckily an officer noticed this guy with a bag that didn’t match his look and we got it back. We were so lucky.”
A second person recalled: “We were robbed, had our van smashed and they stole phones, iPads, handbag, money, camera. Police not interested. We were in a secure patrolled car park.”
Whilst a third TikTok user detailed: “A group of three tried to pickpocket me and my husband on a very crowded bus. Just be careful and keep your belongings close to you and be aware.”
The UK government’s foreign travel advice section advises the following when it comes to visiting Rome:
“Thefts from parked cars happen in Rome, particularly in the Colosseum area, Ostia, Milan and Pisa. Thieves also target coastal areas and towns, and motorway service stations. Avoid leaving luggage in your vehicle – even out of sight in the boot – for any length of time.
“Thieves may use a variety of methods to distract you or encourage you to stop your car, including asking for help or directions or pointing out a fictional fault with your car.”
To reduce your personal risk:
- keep sight of your belongings at all times
- beware of thieves using distraction techniques
- avoid carrying all your valuables together in handbags or pockets
- leave spare cash and valuables in a safe place such as a hotel safe