We are a family of six, and were just there in June. Yes, we read and heard stories about pickpockets etc.... especially on the metros. We felt very safe in Rome, and had no problems whatsoever. We did try to blend in, by not purposely wearing a big fanny pack, or carrying a bagpack. The women in our group all carried purses and we never encountered any problems. I told my husband and son to just carry a few euros and just one credit card in case something did happen. Again, we felt quite safe.