The Foreign Office has issued an urgent Italy ‘crime’ warning to UK tourists over Christmas. The Jubilee, known as the Holy Year, will take place in Rome from 24 December 2024 to 6 January 2026, the Foreign Office has told European Union visitors.
The city is expected to be very busy, particularly when the bigger events take place including the Opening of the Holy Door of Saint Peter’s Basilica on 24 December 2024. Rome expects a high number of visitors throughout the Holy Year of 2025, particularly during large events.
The higher number of travellers during the Holy Year could increase levels of petty crime. Crime levels are generally low but there are higher levels of petty crime, particularly bag-snatching and pickpocketing, in city centres and at major tourist attractions.
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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 and leave spare cash and valuables in a safe place such as a hotel safe.
Be aware that if your passport is stolen, you cannot use a police report to leave Italy. Take care on public transport, in crowded areas and in city centres, including main stations – particularly in and around Termini station in Rome. Be particularly careful with your belongings on trains to and from airports, at cruise ship ports and on the ‘Circumvesuviana’ train between Naples and Sorrento.
You must also exercise caution when unloading your baggage from trains and coaches. 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.
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