Italian police crack down on theft and pickpocketing in Venice and Rome

Italian law enforcement agencies have intensified operations to combat theft and pickpocketing at major transit hubs in Venice and Rome.

In Venice, the Local Police anti-pickpocketing squad apprehended eight individuals in recent operations. At the Santa Lucia Station pier, five people—four men and one woman—were caught attempting to steal a wallet from a pair of American tourists by using distraction techniques. The suspects, many of whom were already known to police for property crimes, were referred to judicial authorities for attempted aggravated theft. Additionally, three women were caught pickpocketing in the San Marco area.

In Rome, the Polfer Lazio railway police conducted a crackdown at Roma Termini station. Over a ten-day period, increased patrols and plainclothes surveillance led to three arrests. This included two Algerian nationals caught stealing luggage from passengers on a high-speed train, and one Italian citizen caught attempting to steal computer equipment from station offices. The stolen items in the train theft were recovered and returned to the victim.