Rome's Hero Against Pickpockets

In a dramatic incident on the Rome underground, local resident Simone Cicalone took matters into his own hands when he spotted a suspected pickpocket among tourists. Cicalone, known for his vigilantism against theft, shouted “Pickpocket!” as he recognized a South American man in shorts and sunglasses. The alarmed suspect quickly exited the train at Colosseum station, prompting Cicalone to pursue him through the bustling streets. As Cicalone chased the man, he warned bystanders of the alleged thief’s presence, exclaiming, “Watch out — he’s a pickpocket and a nasty one!” His loud cries startled tourists near the iconic Colosseum, drawing attention to the ongoing chase. The suspect, seemingly unfazed by the commotion, continued walking towards the Roman Forum, indicating a level of familiarity with such confrontations. Cicalone, 50, recounted a previous encounter with the same individual, revealing that the man had threatened him with violence, claiming he would enlist 15 accomplices to retaliate. Despite the danger, Cicalone remains undeterred in his mission to combat petty crime in the city. His efforts are supported by a team of four, who document the incidents on video, highlighting the ongoing struggle against pickpocketing in Rome’s tourist hotspots. This incident underscores the growing tension between vigilantism and crime in popular tourist areas, as locals like Cicalone take a stand against theft, often at great personal risk.