The Foreign and Commonwealth Office have updated their travel advice for UK nationals going to Italy to include a warning about petty crime, particularly bag snatching and pick-pocketing in busy city centres.

Although crime levels in Italy are generally quite low, there are high levels of petty crime in busy areas of large cities. Tourists have been targeted by gangs of thieves, which sometimes include children. They may be distracted by one member of the gang, by being pushed or hassled, whilst another member of the gang steels their bag or purse.

British nationals heading to large Italian cities are being advised to be extra vigilant on public transport and in crowed areas in Rome, particularly around the main railway station and the bus route to and from St. Peter’s Square.

Use a hotel safe if you can, keep valuable items such as cameras and jewelry out of sight and take particular care if you are travelling overnight on a bus or train, as thieves can target passengers whilst they are asleep.

If you do become a victim of crime on holiday you should report it to the local police as soon as possible.

Travel insurance cover for personal possessions

Travel insurance from Goodtogoinsurance.com can provide insurance cover for your personal possessions whilst you are away up to £3000 (single article limit £300) on Platinum policies and £2000 (single article limit £250) on Gold policies.

Please read your policy wording for the full terms and conditions of your travel insurance cover.

If you do have some of your possessions stolen and wish to make a claim on your travel insurance, you will need to obtain a police report and submit a claim when you return home.

Read our guide for tips on keeping your possessions safe: Money and Possessions - Advice for Travellers