Petty crime is common, particularly in the summer and autumn tourist seasons. It includes bag snatching, pick-pocketing, passport theft and theft from cars.

Thieves are most active:

• in larger cities
• in and around major tourist spots
• on public transport
• at major airports
• at railway stations and bus terminals
• at beaches (including cars parked near beaches)
• at hotel reception areas 

To reduce the risk of theft:

• take care of your belongings
• remain alert in tourist spots
• avoid walking in quiet and poorly lit streets, especially at night

Monitor local sources for advice about new safety or security risks.

Theft is common on trains, including to and from Fiumicino airport near Rome and on overnight journeys.

Thieves often work in groups to distract victims and rob them while they're not looking.

On trains, they do this by:

• asking for directions while a train is stopped at a station
• dropping attractive items on the floor of the train
• blocking the view of overhead luggage racks
• throwing rubbish or sauce at the victim

Often, a member of the group will pretend to come to help the victim while others steal their valuables.

Check the Italian Public Security System site Polizia Di Stato for advice on how to avoid theft on trains.

Credit card and ATM fraud happens, often involving 'skimming' machines. Monitor your bank statements.

To protect yourself from fraud:

• use ATMs in secure places, such as banks, shops and shopping centres
• keep your ATM and credit cards in sight

Police have warned that counterfeit European currency is in circulation. Check any notes you receive.

Tourists have been robbed and assaulted after consuming spiked food or drinks. This has happened in cities and towns, including Rome, Milan, Florence and Naples.

Some victims have been sexually assaulted or needed hospitalisation.

In Rome, many incidents have taken place:

• around Termini station
• in tourist areas, such as the Colosseum
• in bars and restaurants in the city centre 

In Milan, such attacks happen in bars, nightclubs and other late-night venues.

In Florence and Naples, these attacks happen mainly near train stations and in bars and cafes in the city centres.

To protect yourself from drink spiking:

• never accept drinks from strangers
• don't leave food or drinks unattended
• stick with people you trust in bars and nightclubs

More information:

• Partying safely

Vehicle break-in and theft is common. Many Australians have had belongings, including passports and other valuables, stolen from their parked cars.

Thieves steal from cars at traffic lights, rest stops, service stations and on the roadside.

Lock your car doors and keep luggage and valuables out of sight.

There are reports of thieves slashing tyres or staging roadside emergencies. They aim to persuade drivers to pull over and get out of their cars. While the driver is distracted, the thieves steal personal belongings.

Popular targets for thieves are unattended campervans or mobile homes either:

• parked at camping sites
• in the streets near historic sites

To reduce your risk of theft from your vehicle:

• don't leave valuables in your vehicle
• when you leave your vehicle, lock all doors
• try to use a secure parking facility, especially overnight

You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you're connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or Bluetooth. 

Commenting on local or political events on social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions, including commenting on laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. 

More information:  

• Cyber security when travelling overseas 

Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent and spark violent unrest, demonstrations and riots.

To protect yourself from violence and unrest:

• avoid crowds and protests if you can
• monitor local media for possible unrest
• follow the advice of local authorities

More information:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

Strikes are common.

They can cause building closures, particularly in tourist areas. They can also disrupt public transport, including air, shipping, train, bus, tram and taxi services.

Strikes may involve roadblocks and petrol station closures and can cause transport delays and cancellations.

Trenitalia (Italian) gives details on train disruptions. Call 89 20 21 in Italy or +39 0668745475 from outside Italy.

To avoid transport delays or missing flights:

• confirm flights or travel with your travel provider
• allow plenty of time for travel to airports and train stations

Some violence occurs due to domestic social or political issues.

Bombings have occurred. Bombers have targeted:

• Italian police
• the offices of well-known politicians
• government institutions
• public and commercial buildings

Terrorist attacks could occur anywhere and at any time. Be alert to possible threats, especially in public places. Terrorists may target tourist areas or other places frequented by foreigners and where large crowds may gather.

Possible targets include:

• places of worship or religious holidays
• hotels, clubs, restaurants and cafes
• markets and shopping malls
• outdoor recreation events, including festivals, concerts, and sporting venues
• public transport, airports and railway hubs

To stay safe:

• report suspicious activities or items to the police
• check the media for new threats
• take official warnings seriously
• follow the instructions of local authorities

If there’s an attack, leave the area as soon as it's safe to do so.

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

More information:

• Terrorism

Italy experiences natural disasters and severe weather.

In the event of a natural disaster:

• take official warnings seriously
• follow the advice of local authorities
• monitor the media
• keep in touch with friends and family
• check the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System for updates

Forest fires often occur during summer, usually from June to September. They tend to happen in heavily forested regions. Wildfires can reach major towns during extreme conditions. 

Forest fires can be unpredictable and dangerous. They can affect air quality in a way that harms your health.

Monitor the media for updates and follow the advice of local authorities. Visit the Italian Civil Protection Authority website for more information.

Heavy winter rains often cause widespread flooding and mudslides.

The areas most often affected are:

• the Veneto, Piedmont and Liguria regions in the north
• the Calabria and Sicily regions in the south

Flooding and mudslides can result in loss of life, destruction of property and evacuation of inhabitants.

Italy is in an active seismic region and has several earthquakes each year.

Large earthquakes can cause landslides and avalanches. This can result in injuries, death and damage to infrastructure, homes and property.

When travelling in Italy, find out your hotel's earthquake procedure.

If there's been seismic activity in the area you're in or going to, check with your airline or travel provider about disruptions.

More information:

• earthquaketrack.com
• Civil Protection authority
• European Avalanche Warning Service

Italy has active volcanoes. These include:

• Mount Etna in Sicily
• Mount Stromboli and Mount Vulcano in the Aeolian Islands chain north of Sicily

Volcanic activity can cause travel disruptions, including temporary airport closures. 

Fatalities have occurred from volcanic eruptions.