Attenzione gli Zingari - Beware the Gypsies!

Travel Tip: Beware the Gypsies!

My first experience with Gypsy pickpockets was a close call. Today on the crowded sidewalk of Via Independenza several pathetic-looking gypsies were asking for money. Among them was a mother with a nursing baby at her breast. She stepped in front of me, pushing the baby at me and I moved aside. She grabbed my left sleeve continuing to plead a little more agressively. I tried to move away and she moved closer. In an instan,t she was slipping her hand into my left pocket.

Gary - "Hey!" I yelled and pushed her arm away. "Polizia!" She backed up muttering and kissing her fingertips while still holding the baby at her breast. Passersby looked and didn't say or do anything. I double checked my passport and money. No police appeared and the gypsy continued as before, unfazed. I decided to move on down the sidewalk. Who would be cruel enough to prosecute a nursing mother?

Marge - "We were walking, talking, and window-shopping when suddenly I was aware of being pushed aside. Just as quickly, Gary yelled, 'Hey!' and 'Polizia'. What struck me is that the beggars are so smooth, and continue to smile when they are rejected. (We had a minor incident the day before.)