Rising crime meets citizen activism: Monica Poli’s unrelenting battle

In the labyrinthine streets of Venice, where tourists flock to marvel at historic architecture and serene canals, a 58-year-old woman has become an unlikely hero in the fight against petty crime.

Monica Poli, a local volunteer, has transformed herself into a one-woman crime prevention force, alerting unsuspecting tourists to the lurking dangers of pickpockets with her now-famous rallying cry.

A voice of warning in a tourist hotspot

Armed with nothing more than her voice and unwavering determination, Poli patrols Venice’s crowded thoroughfares, particularly near the iconic Rialto Bridge. Her trademark warning—shouted in multiple languages—”Attenzione, pickpocket!” has become a viral sensation, garnering her global recognition.

The alarming crime statistics

Recent data from Italy’s interior ministry paints a grim picture of rising theft in the region. Nationwide train thefts increased by 21% in 2023, with Venice experiencing a staggering 38.8% surge. Foreign tourists bear the brunt of these crimes, accounting for an overwhelming majority of thefts across public transportation.

The legal landscape: a complicated battle

The Cartabia reform, implemented in December 2022, has inadvertently complicated crime prosecution. Vincenzo Senatore, a senior partner at Giambrone Law, explains, “The reform was intended to streamline Italy’s judicial process, but it has faced criticism for potentially enabling pickpockets to evade prosecution.”

The law requires victims to file formal reports and appear in subsequent trials, a challenging requirement for tourists who are unlikely to return to Venice for legal proceedings.

A lifelong commitment

Poli’s activism traces back to the 1990s, when she worked in a clothing store frequented by Japanese tourists. “It was when pickpocketing first started—people knew Asian travelers carried lots of cash,” she recalls. Her motivation stems from witnessing the distress of customers who discovered their wallets missing.

In June 2023, Poli’s first social media video exploded, garnering 69 million views on TikTok. Today, she boasts over 605,000 Instagram followers, with her signature warning even being remixed into songs and used in protest videos.

The personal cost of activism

Her mission hasn’t been without personal risk. Poli has faced physical attacks, been pepper-sprayed, and received threats. Yet, she remains undeterred. “I think I do it out of a sense of civic pride,” she states firmly.

A city under siege

Venice, with an estimated 30 million annual visitors compared to its modest local population of under 50,000, has become a prime target for pickpockets. While 82 arrests were made in 2019, only two arrests were recorded as of November 2024.

The citizen response

Poli is a member of Cittadini Non Distratti (“Undistracted Citizens”), a volunteer group with around 50 active members from various industries. Her approach is simple yet effective: constant vigilance and immediate public warning.

Conclusion: A modern urban hero

In an era of increasing urban crime, Monica Poli represents a grassroots approach to community safety. Her story is not just about preventing theft but about reclaiming public spaces and protecting vulnerable tourists.

As Venice continues to grapple with rising crime rates, Poli’s voice remains a beacon of hope and a testament to individual civic responsibility.