American Tourist’s Bold Stand Against Venice Pickpockets: “I Have 8 Kids, You’re Not Getting to Me”
VENICE, Italy — A North Carolina mother of eight turned the tables on a group of teenage pickpockets during a family vacation in Venice, tracking down her stolen purse using Apple’s “Find My” app and holding one of the suspects by the ponytail until police arrived. The dramatic confrontation, captured on video and shared widely on social media, has gone viral, highlighting the ongoing scourge of youth-led thefts in the iconic Italian city and earning praise for the tourist’s unyielding resolve. The incident occurred on August 14, 2025, just before the family boarded a Mediterranean cruise, and underscores the risks American travelers face in overcrowded tourist hotspots.
Christina Cadieu Greene, the unidentified tourist in her 50s, was navigating a crowded bridge near her Airbnb in the Santa Maria del Giglio area when three teenage girls allegedly swarmed her and her husband, unzipping her backpack and making off with her purse. Inside were her passport, credit cards, cash, a metal water bottle, and AirPods—essentials for her international trip. Upon discovering the theft, Greene and her husband immediately activated the “Find My” feature on the AirPods, which led them straight back to the suspects lurking nearby.
In the viral footage posted on TikTok by Greene’s stepdaughter, Karis McElroy, the mother can be seen gripping the ponytail of a 14-year-old girl with a vice-like hold as the teen screams and struggles. “You stole my purse with my passport in it. You’re not getting away. I’m not stopping, kid,” Greene is heard saying firmly, ignoring the girl’s pleas of “Calm down, calm down!” As an accomplice threatens to call the police, Greene retorts, “Let’s get the police, and maybe I’ll get my passport back.” The confrontation drew a crowd of onlookers, with locals assisting by alerting authorities and even providing aid afterward.
The situation escalated when one of the girls swung the stolen bag—containing the metal water bottle—at Greene’s head, causing a deep gash that required stitches and left her with a black eye. Despite the injury, Greene held on until Venetian police arrived, arresting two of the teens on the spot. The third fled but was later apprehended at an airport, where officers recovered Greene’s passport and credit cards from her belongings. Unfortunately, the cash and AirPods were not retrieved. The 14-year-old held by the ponytail was released on bail just two days later, as reported by Italian outlet Il Messaggero, due to her age—under Italian law, minors under 14 cannot be held criminally responsible, though those 14 and older can face juvenile proceedings.
McElroy, who shared the story to warn other travelers, explained in a follow-up TikTok video how her mother remained unfazed by the teen’s screams. “I have eight kids, you’re not getting to me,” Greene reportedly told the girl, a line that has resonated with viewers and sparked memes across platforms like X (formerly Twitter). The video has amassed millions of views, with users hailing Greene as a “hero mom” and commenting on the stereotype of resilient American parents. One X post quipped, “Do not mess with North Carolina women. They will hunt you down.”
The Broader Issue of ‘Baby Pickpockets’ in Venice
This incident is emblematic of a growing problem in Venice, where organized gangs are increasingly recruiting children and teenagers—known locally as “baby borseggiatori” (baby pickpockets)—to exploit legal loopholes and target unsuspecting tourists. Venice, with its 60,000 daily visitors overwhelming a resident population of just 55,000, has become a hotspot for such crimes, particularly around Piazza San Marco, the Rialto Bridge, and crowded vaporettos (water buses). Officials and activists report that these young thieves, often girls as young as 5 or pregnant women, are sent out by adult handlers who train them in distraction techniques like the “newspaper trick,” where groups surround victims to block views while rifling through bags.
Deputy Chief of Venetian Police Gianni Franzoi noted a rise in female pickpockets drawn by “a bubble of legal impunity,” exacerbated by the requirement for victims to attend court hearings for convictions—a challenge for tourists heading home. Venice Mayor Luigi Brugnaro has called for legal reforms to empower police, including visitor caps and stricter penalties, amid UNESCO concerns over the city’s overcrowding and erosion. Local vigilante groups, like that led by Monica Poli of “Cittadini Non Distratti,” patrol streets blowing whistles to alert tourists, but the influx of day-trippers from cruise ships continues to fuel the issue.
For U.S. travelers, the episode serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance abroad. Travel experts like Rick Steves emphasize that thieves target Americans for their valuables, advising anti-theft bags, awareness in crowds, and avoiding distractions from street vendors or “friendly” strangers. Greene’s story, while triumphant, also highlights the physical risks: she praised the kindness of Venetians, including her Airbnb host who stood by her and a nearby jeweler who gifted her a necklace post-attack, but ended up in the hospital before continuing her cruise.
Despite the ordeal, McElroy said her mother views the experience positively, focusing on the support from locals. The family has since departed on their voyage, but the viral tale has sparked discussions on traveler safety, with many Americans sharing similar stories from Europe. As one expert noted, “Europeans are uncomfortable about it, but the American reaction to pickpocketing is the correct one”—quick, assertive, and tech-savvy. For those planning a trip to Venice, experts recommend using tracking devices, staying alert in crowds, and supporting local anti-theft initiatives to help preserve the city’s magic without the menace.