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ROME, Friday (Reuters) Ignoring warnings from police, a hard-up Italian mother and son reeled in 200 euros ($195) from Rome's Trevi fountain on Friday and were immediately charged with theft, in the latest fishing foray at the famed monument.

Each day, thousands of tourists stand with their backs to the Renaissance masterpiece and throw coins over their shoulders into its shallow basin in a tradition which is supposed to ensure they return to Rome.

The money, which adds up to several hundred euros a day or more, is supposed to go to charity.

But for the past two weeks Italian newspapers have been full of stories about a homeless man, dubbed d'Artagnan, who is reported to have made up to 1,000 euros a day for the past 34 years by fishing out the coins left at Neptune's feet.

D'Artagnan, whose real name is Roberto Cercelletta, was arrested this week after his ruse was exposed, but he has already inspired copycats who are willing to ignore police warnings for a crack at the fountain's treasure.

On Friday, his exploits inspired a 41-year-old mother and her 25-year-old son to take the plunge, desperate to get some cash to help them out of financial difficulties. Police, who have reinforced their 24-hour watch at the monument, shouted warnings to the pair not to wade in, but they forged ahead, collecting five kilos of loose change in a trice.

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