Pickpocketed in Milan, Rome or Naples Metro? Complete Guide for Foreigners (2025)

Pickpocketing in Milan, Rome, and Naples metro systems is an unfortunate reality for many tourists and foreign visitors. 2023 statistics show Rome recorded 14,438 metro thefts, followed by Milan with 5,504 reported cases. If you've been pickpocketed, this guide explains exactly what to do to protect your rights and recover from the incident.

What to do in the first 10 minutes

• Immediately block your credit cards, debit cards, and phone
• Activate remote phone lock if possible (Find My iPhone/Android Device Manager)
• Alert metro security if you're still in the station
• Take note of the exact time, location, and circumstances of the theft

Understanding Italian law: Querela vs. Denuncia

Under Italian law reformed by the Cartabia Reform, pickpocketing (theft by sleight of hand) requires a 'denuncia' (formal complaint) to be filed by the victim. This means:

• Only you (the victim) can initiate criminal proceedings - authorities cannot investigate without your formal complaint
• Strict deadline: You must file within 3 months from the date of the theft
• This complaint is essential for insurance claims and document replacement
• If the thief is caught in the act, you still need to file a denuncia immediately

Two ways to file your police report (Denuncia)

As a foreigner, you have two main options:

1. In-person at a police station (Commissariato or Carabinieri)

• Free of charge and processed directly by law enforcement
• Usually takes 1-3 hours including waiting time
• Language barrier: Not all officers speak English - consider bringing a translator or using translation apps
• Locations: Any police station (Polizia di Stato) or Carabinieri station - look for 'Commissariato' or 'Carabinieri' signs
• Bring your passport or ID, and any documentation you have about stolen items

2. Online police report (Recommended for tourists who already returned home)

• Takes 8-10 minutes to complete
• Can be done from anywhere (hotel, airport, even after leaving Italy)
• Filed with the Prosecutor's Office (Procura) within 48 business hours. You will receive a signed copy of the police report via email.
• Ideal if you're traveling, have limited time
• Legally equivalent to in-person filing. Note: This is not valid for passport replacement or temporary travel documents, as these need to be issued by your embassy and strictly requires a police report

Why you need the police report (Denuncia)

Filing a police report is crucial for several reasons:

• Travel insurance claims: Most travel insurance policies (including those bundled with premium credit cards) require a police report within 24-72 hours to reimburse stolen items, cash, or document replacement costs
• Credit card fraud protection: Banks often request police reports for disputed charges

Replacing stolen documents as a foreigner

Lost passport

• Contact your embassy or consulate immediately
• Bring: Police report copy, passport photos, proof of citizenship (birth certificate copy if available, or other ID)
• Emergency travel document: Can usually be issued same-day or next-day for urgent travel
• Full passport replacement: May take several weeks depending on your country

Lost driver's license

• If you need to drive in Italy: Contact your embassy for guidance - some can issue temporary certifications
• Full replacement: Must be requested from your home country's licensing authority
• Rental cars: Police report may be sufficient as temporary proof for some rental companies

Lost credit/debit cards

• Call your bank's international emergency number immediately (usually on back of card or bank's website)
• Request expedited replacement - many banks can ship cards internationally within 2-3 business days
• Use digital wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay) if you had them set up before the theft
• Western Union or similar services for emergency cash transfers from home

Preventing pickpocketing in Italian metros

While this guide helps after the fact, here are key prevention tips:

• High-risk locations: Termini Station (Rome), Milan Centrale, crowded metro lines, tourist attractions
• Use anti-theft bags with slash-proof material and locking zippers
• Never keep wallet in back pocket - use front pockets or inside jacket pockets
• Be extra vigilant during rush hour and when getting on/off trains
• Distraction techniques: Watch for people who bump into you, drop things near you, or ask for help with directions
• Split your valuables: Don't keep all cards and cash in one place

Important contacts for tourists

• Emergency number (Police, Ambulance, Fire): 112 (English-speaking operators available)
• Tourist Police Rome: +39 06 4686 2987
• Tourist Police Milan: +39 02 77271
• Lost & Found Metro Rome (ATAC): +39 06 57003
• Lost & Found Metro Milan (ATM): +39 02 4803 4803

Key takeaways for foreign victims

• File your police report (denuncia) within 3 months - the sooner, the better for insurance claims
• Online filing is the easiest option for tourists who don't speak Italian and have no time pressure
• Keep copies of the police report - you'll need it for insurance, embassy, and banks
• Contact your embassy immediately if your passport was stolen
• Don't panic - Italy has established procedures for helping foreign victims of theft