A dramatic scene unfolded in Florence’s bustling Piazza di San Lorenzo when a self-proclaimed “pregnant” pickpocket attempted to snatch a tourist’s backpack. The thief’s plan unraveled as the victim’s furious husband intervened, grabbing her by the hair and restraining her arms to prevent her escape.
Video footage, shared on Instagram by firenze_cronaca_pickpocket, captures the tense moment as the husband and another man held the struggling woman, who dropped the bag after shouting “I’m pregnant” in Spanish. A second pickpocket emerged, demanding her release, while a tourist’s repeated cries for police echoed through the square.
This incident, reported on September 01, 2025, highlights the risks tourists face in popular spots like Piazza di San Lorenzo, home to the historic Basilica of San Lorenzo and vibrant markets. Fortunately, authorities arrived, arresting the two thieves. Just days earlier, another bold act occurred in Venice’s Santa Maria del Giglio area, where US tourist Christina Cadieu Greene chased down a 14-year-old pickpocket. After spotting her purse stolen—containing her passport and cash—Greene gripped the teen’s ponytail for 50 minutes, using AirPods tracked via Find My Friends to locate the culprit. Her daughter, Karis McElroy, shared the heroic tale on TikTok, praising her mother’s determination.
Both incidents have sparked online debates about self-defense and tourist safety. Would you intervene or call for help? Share your thoughts below as this drama continues to unfold!