Woman's 'brave' act for vulnerable tourists travelling in Italy
The 57-year-old has become an icon on TikTok thanks to her no-nonsense exploits.
If you've got social media, chances are you've heard the words "attenzione, pickpocket" being yelled by an Italian woman.
But what are the videos for and why have the words been recently sampled, remixed and turned into a huge TikTok and Instagram trend?
Monica Poli, 57, is a Venice local and part of an amateur group called Cittadini Non Distratti (non distracted citizens), who expose suspected pickpockets trying to take advantage of vulnerable tourists and locals.
Although the group have been around for years, the creation of their TikTok channel in June with Ms Poli being front and centre is what has launched them into international virality.
In the videos, she often stands in crowds looking for pickpockets at work, and when she spots someone or a group of people, she very boldly shouts “Attenzione, borseggiatrici! Attenzione, pickpocket!,” often causing them to cover their faces and run away.
Online reaction to Italian woman's videos
Millions of social media users are impressed with the woman's dedication to essentially being Venice's friendly neighbourhood superhero by potentially helping both tourists and locals.
"I love this woman, hopefully she is saving a few from a very bad holiday experience," one person commented on a TikTok video.
"Not all heroes wear capes," another said.
"Thank you queen! I was robbed in Venice, you are doing the lord's work!," a third person said.
Besides captioning their posts with 'Attenzione, pickpocket!' or using her audio to create funny videos, some have been inspired to call out pickpockets in their own cities.
"I just want to go to Venice and help this amazing woman. I already see other TikTokers doing it. Maybe I'll start in Copenhagen," one person said.
"Everyone should also start shouting pickpockets!!! Support this marvellous, brave woman," another said.
'I protect all the tourists'
In a recent press release on Facebook, the group reiterated their "civic sense" and "love for Venice" is what unites them in their "fight against pickpocketing and child exploitation".
Ms Poli also said she's been blown away by the huge response to her "protect[ing]" people.
"It was so strange for me. My voice is everywhere! I am happy because the message arrived where we wanted," she told the New York Times in a recent interview.
"We want the tourists, people coming to Venice and Milan, to pay attention. The pickpockets are so quick.
"I protect all the tourists. Tourism in Italy is very important. We live with the tourists. I want people who come to Italy to have respect, and we must respect them."
In 2019, the group contributed to one-third of the pickpocket arrests made in Venice, The Economist reports.
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