Venice, December 12, 2024 (Navroze Bureau) – Venice is famous all over the world for its beautiful canals, gondola rides and historical architecture. Every year thousands of tourists come to enjoy the beauty of this city. However, there is another big problem in Venice that causes trouble for tourists – that is pickpocketing. Not only tourists but also local people are troubled by this problem.
A 58-year-old woman named Monica Poli has taken the initiative to alert tourists against this problem. Monica, who is a resident of Paris, now warns tourists to avoid pickpockets in Venice. Her aim is to spread awareness about the increasing incidents of pickpocketing in the city.
Monica’s initiative
According to sources, recently when Monica noticed some pickpockets active in the crowd near Venice’s famous Rialto Bridge, she immediately raised her voice. Monica warned people with the words ‘Attenzione, pickpockete!’ (Beware of pickpockets!). She shouts this warning loudly in Italian, English and Spanish so that more and more people can avoid these thieves.
Helped many tourists
Monica’s warning has helped many tourists avoid pickpockets. A French tourist praised her, saying, “I thank her because the problem of pickpockets is very serious and she warned us.” Monica is a member of the volunteer group “Cittadini non distrati” (Undistracted Citizens) who patrol the streets of Venice and identify thieves.
Recognition on social media
In 2023, Monica’s initiative gained attention on social media. She shared her first video on TikTok which went viral. The warnings given by her have also been remixed into songs. Now Monica has become an internet celebrity and her voice has caught the attention of people all over the world.
Pickpockets are a growing problem in Venice
The problem of pickpockets in Venice is constantly increasing. According to sources, the Italian Interior Ministry revealed in September 2024 that incidents of theft in public transport have increased since 2021. Especially in 2023, the number of theft incidents was the highest in a decade. Train theft incidents in Venice have increased by 38.8%.
The report also said that foreign tourists were the most frequently reported victims of theft in Venice. 94% of thefts occurred on Venice Metro trains, 81% on buses and 78% on other trains.
Seeing the increasing problem of pickpocketing in Venice, people like Monica Poli are actively helping to find a solution to this problem. Monica’s efforts to protect tourists from pickpocketing are commendable and her initiative is constantly receiving support.