Page 620 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Italy

618  SUR VIV AL GUIDE

Personal Security and Health

Although Italy is generally a safe place for visitors, it is wise to
keep a watchful eye on your personal belongings, especially
in the larger towns and cities. There is a conspicuous police
presence throughout the country and, in the event of an
emergency or crime, any of the police officers described in
this section will be able to assist you and tell you where to go
to report an incident. If you fall ill, pharmacies are a good first
stop where medically trained staff can give advice or tell you
where to find further help. In an emergency, the Casualty
Department (Pronto Soccorso) of any hospital will treat you,
and it is likely that you will encounter English-speaking staff, Commissariato di Polizia – a police
especially in large towns. station
walking, hold bags occurs. The embassy can offer
and cameras in front advice and should provide you
of you and on the with a list of English- and Italian-
inside of the pavement speaking lawyers who are
so as not to tempt knowledge able about both the
motorized snatchers, Italian and US legal systems.
Police car and do not show
expensive cameras
and video equip- Personal Security
ment in areas off Although petty crime in cities is
tourist routes. frequent, violent crime in Italy is
If attacked, never rare. How ever, it is common for
attempt to hang on to people to raise their voices
your things, as you aggressively during an
Green Cross ambulance in Venice could be seriously argument. Usually, remaining
injured and dragged calm and being polite will help
along the street. to defuse the situation.
Avoid carrying Always be wary of unofficial
large sums of money – tour guides, taxi drivers or
take out only what you strangers who wish to assist
need for the day. you or advise you on accom-
It is advisable to get modation, restaurants or shops,
Roman fire engine comprehensive travel as they may expect something
insurance that covers in return. Decline their offers
theft of personal possessions politely but firmly.
Personal Property in addition to covering
Petty theft such as pick pocketing, cancellation/delay of flights,
bag snatching and car theft is loss/damage of luggage, money
common in Italian cities. In the and other valuables, as well as
event of a theft you must report personal liability and accidents.
it within 24 hours to the nearest It should include cover for legal
questura or commissariato di assistance and advice.
polizia (police station). If possible, If you do need to make an
show them some ID. insurance claim for stolen or lost
Avoid leaving anything visible property, you must get a copy
in an unattended car, including of the report (denuncia) from
a car radio. If you have to leave the police station when you
luggage in a car, find a hotel report the incident. In case of
that has private parking. When lost passports, go to your
making a purchase, always embassy or consulate; for lost
check your change and do not credit cards or travellers’
keep wallets in back pockets, cheques, contact the issuing
especially on buses or in other company’s nearest office.
crowded places. “Bum bags” and If you do not have insurance
money belts are a favourite cover, contact your embassy as
target for pickpockets, so try soon as possible after an The brass band of the carabinieri
to keep them hidden. When incident, such as an accident, performing in high uniform

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