Italy 2009 Crime & Safety Report
Crime & Safety
Europe
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Italy
2 Apr 2009
Overall Crime and Safety Situation
Minor crime in the Rome consular district, and especially Rome, continues to be a persistent problem. Most crimes tend to be non-violent and directed toward obtaining property such as purse snatching, pick-pocketing, and residential and vehicle break-ins. The Centro Storico (city center) has the highest incidence of these types of crimes.
Each section of Rome, as is the case with other Italian cities, has its particular type of crime issues. The center of Rome, which includes areas such as Termini (the central train station), the areas around St. Mary Major, the Coliseum, Trastevere, and other tourist sites, are noted for petty crimes, although serious crimes can and do occur. Purse snatchings and pick-pocketing incidents are the most frequent forms of crime reported in this area and incidents are especially common in the summer. Another “high risk” location in the center of Rome is in the Prati, Trionfale, Via Emo, and Piazza Cavour areas (all near St. Peter’s Basilica). Car thieves prefer the areas outside of the Centro Storico, like Giovanni and the Appia areas, where there is less of a police presence. House burglaries have occurred and are most often reported in areas such as Salaria-Parioli, Porta del Popolo, Tescovio, and Villa Gloria.
Pick-pocketing
Most street crime in Italy involves purse snatching and pick-pocketing. Well-organized pickpocket rings are a continual problem in Italy. Generally, pickpockets work in small groups of two or three individuals. The most common type of pick-pocketing involves a woman’s purse being cut, generally where the zipper meets the fabric, or the slashing of the interior pocket of a man’s jacket or even the front pants pocket. Other popular methods involve the pickpocket simply colliding with the victim and snatching the wallet or having an accomplice drop items at the feet of the victim to create a distraction. When the helpful victim bends down to assist in picking up the items, a second thief comes from behind and commits the theft. In other cases, the intended victim is hit with an unsavory liquid and during the confusion that follows, the purse, luggage, or other valuables are taken. Most pick-pocketing reports involving Americans occur in or around the tourist sights of Rome.
Buses
There are numerous reports of people being victimized by pick-pocketing and purse slashing on public buses in Rome. These buses tend to be very crowded, with the result being that many victims do not even realize that they have been robbed. Most report that they get on the bus with their personal contents in order, and then when they exit, they realize that their wallet is missing or the contents of their purse are gone. Most crime on public buses is covert. Women have reported that a knife or razor was used to slit their handbags and remove the contents, while men have lost items from inner jacket pockets.
ATAC Route No. 64 from Termini to St. Peter’s is the most notorious route in the city. These buses are always crowded with tourists, so one must be especially vigilant when using this route. If at all possible, try to find an empty seat while traveling. People with bags should keep them in sight at all times. This makes it more difficult for the thieves to dip into the bag and extract valuables. Visitors are also advised to keep wallets in their front pocket.
Vehicle Crime
Vehicle break-ins and thefts of vehicles are a continuous problem in Rome. Most burglaries directed towards vehicles are committed to obtain valuable contents such as stereos or items left in the cabin or in the trunk. The vehicle itself is also a valuable target for thieves as the parts or the entire vehicle can be re-sold outside of Italy. Drivers should always lock their vehicles and if possible should use vehicle anti-theft devices. Cars should be parked in a garage or in a well-lit area.
Residential Crime
Residential burglaries are most likely to occur where there are security vulnerabilities or the residents are not implementing residential security practices. There have been reports of break-ins at apartment complexes where all the apartments are robbed except those with hardened doors or other security features in place. There are other reports where access is gained because the key/lock has not been turned the required four times to ensure maximum protection or where the grills to the patio doors were not locked. Visitors should avoid carrying house keys that are marked with addresses and keys should be separated from any papers that reveal an address. Using common security practices is an effective deterrent to residential crime which can be seen by the fact that have been very few reports are of break-ins at residences with good security measures were in place.
High Crime Areas
A high degree of crime occurs in and around the tourist areas of Rome. Tourists often possess large quantities of cash and are usually distracted by the sites. Well-organized pick-pocket rings and other criminal elements operate extensively in tourist areas. Extra care and attention should be taken when visiting tourist areas. A simple security measure to deter potential criminals is to avoid wearing any items of value while touring Rome.
At the Termini train station in Rome, diversion techniques are the preferred methods used by criminals. One common example involves criminals who ask for directions; while the victim is offering assistance, another criminal covertly takes a piece of luggage. Other techniques may involve a thief intentionally spilling mustard, yogurt, or soda on the victim; apologizing profusely, and helping the victim clean up while an accomplice is relieving the victim of his valuables. Unscrupulous thieves may offer assistance to a person struggling with bags or strollers, kindly pick up one of the bags, and disappear into the crowd. Use extra caution while in and around train stations in Italy. The large crowds and chaotic atmosphere provide an ideal environment for criminals.
Campo di Fiori, a large piazza in south Rome, has been reported as an area where physical altercations are most prevalent during late evening/early morning hours. The piazza has many bars, which all close at the same time and the remaining crowds spill into the piazza. The combination of excessive amounts of alcohol, bravado, and cultural differences make minor fights fairly frequent in this area.
Visitors are also advised to exercise a heightened sense of security awareness while visiting public parks, especially after dark. While they are attractive locations for jogging and other exercise, in twilight or evening hours it’s a good idea to travel with another person or with a group.
Weapons
Weapons are rarely used in Rome or the surrounding areas. The one exception is in the case of armed robberies of banks, jewelry stores, and gas stations. Because of the prevalence of organized crime in southern Italy, the probability of a weapon being used is higher than in other parts of Italy. If confronted by a person armed with a weapon, it is recommended to give whatever is demanded. In such confrontations, the likelihood that perpetrators might use violence if their demands are not met quickly is high. In the unlikely event of being a victim of armed robbery, visitors are advised to be cooperative while trying to keep a distance from the perpetrator and should exit the situation as soon as possible.
Terrorism
The terrorist threat level in Italy is elevated to similar levels of other Western Europe countries. This assessment is based on historical data relevant to terrorist activities and recent reporting indicating that terrorist attacks could occur without advance warning. Due to many factors, including the ongoing terrorist activities around the world, American diplomatic facilities in Italy operate under a state of heightened security.
Political Violence
In Italy, certain anti-globalization factions have been known to organize protests that have turned violent. Concern remains that these same groups could use demonstrations in the future to target U.S. government facilities and businesses in Italy. The Red Brigade (Brigate Rosse) units that flourished in the early 1980s were thought to have been largely eliminated, but Italy has seen an increase in membership and activity over recent years.
Police Response
Police response and services throughout Italy are very good. The Polizia di Stato (state police) and the Carabinieri (military police) are well trained and equipped. These two police groups offer the full range of police services that are on par with any major police department in the United States. The Regional Security Office maintains a close and excellent relationship with all police and security service agencies in Italy. In the event of a theft or any other mishap, please refer to the following list of helpful telephone numbers:
Military Police, (Carabinieri) throughout Italy - 112
Police, Rome (Polizia di Stato) - 113
Fire Department, Rome (Vigili del Fuoco) - 115
Ambulance, Rome, (First Aid only) - 118
Medical Emergencies
The following list of physicians and services is not meant to be a complete listing, as there are many competent doctors in the community. The listing does not represent either a guarantee of competence or endorsement by the U. S. Department of State. The listing gives visitors some idea of medical services that have been used in the past by other American citizens.
Ambulance
Italian Red Cross, Radio Equipped Ambulance Center: 06-5510
Doctor available upon request in acute emergency
Croce Bianca: 06-8181011
Ordine di Malta: 06-678-9261
Emergency First Aid- Pronto Soccorso
The first two hospitals have a full range of services and should be used for life-threatening emergencies.
Universita' Cattolica del Sacro Cuore Policlinico Gemelli
Via Pineta Sacchetti 644
Telephone: 06-30151
Policlinico University Hospital (Pronto Soccorso)
Umberto I
Viale del Policlinico
Telephone: 06-4997-9514 or 9515
Switchboard: 06-4997-1
Rianimazione (ICU) 06-446-3101
Fax Number (Direzione Sanitaria): 06-4997426
Bambino Gesu’ Pediatric Hospital
Piazza S. Onofrio 4
Telephone: 06-68591
The following hospitals tend to be less well-equipped and it is recommended that they only be used for minor emergencies.
Villa San Pietro-Fatebenefratelli
Via Cassia 600
Telephone: 06-33581
S. Spirito Hospital
Lungotevere in Sassia (near St. Peter's)
Telephone: 06-68351
S. Giacomo in Augusta Hospital
Via A. Canova 29 (near Piazza del Popolo)
Fax Number: 6726232
Telephone: 06-36261
S. Eugenio Hospital
Piazzale San Nemesio 21
Telephone: 06-51001
S. Giovanni Hospital (Cranial Trauma)
Via Amba Aradam
(Prof. Interligi)
Telephone: 06-77051
Tips on How to Avoid Becoming a Victim
General Safety and Security Tips
American visitors are generally safe in Italy and are not singled out or targeted based on nationality, but foreigners do tend to be targeted for petty theft because they look like tourists. U.S. citizens are not known to experience large amounts of crime while visiting Italy and are less likely to be a victim of violent crime in Italy than in most large American cities. Most of the crimes committed against American tourists and visitors fall into the category of petty theft, such as pick-pocketing and purse snatching. U.S. Embassy Rome has only received a handful of reports of violent crime against Americans.
While on Foot
Be cognizant of your surroundings. Know where you need to go and walk with a purpose. Do not give the impression that you are lost or wandering. There is evidence that criminals will observe these vulnerabilities and target these types of individuals.
Public Transportation
Be attentive to your surroundings and keep control of your personal items. While waiting in line, keep your luggage close. All authorized taxis are white and have meters. Only use licensed taxis. Do not use a private unlicensed car service.
Traveling with Children
Parents should tell children before the trip that their cooperation will be helpful in train stations and at airports to help ensure everyone’s safety and ease of travel. Families become a prime target if the children are uncooperative and attention is focused on controlling them.
Driving
Driving in Italy can be difficult and the following information is provided for use in the event of an automobile accident:
- Do not move your car (except in cases where neither you nor the other party is interested in establishing liability, i.e. negligible damage).
- Try to explain to the other party that you do not speak Italian (Io non parlo Italiano).
- Look for the Carabinieri or Vigili Urbani (municipal police). If they are not nearby, telephone them (in Rome-67691) and provide the address of the accident. Note: the Polizia di Stato (blue cars) does not handle accidents.
- If you call the police, be prepared to wait. It may take up to an hour or more for them to arrive or they may not come at all.
- If police arrive, they will ascertain responsibility, take personal information from you, and file a report of the accident.
- If the police do not come, ask the other party for the following: Date and time of accident, exact location, full name and address of persons involved in the accident, witnesses (full name, address and phone number), full name and address of person injured, make and model of the vehicle including the vehicle license number, name of insurance company, policy number and expiration date, and full name and address of the person driving, and driver license (type, number, date and expiration date, location license was issued).
- Do not sign any statement (C.R.D Form) without a full understanding of the
charges or statements.
- Be prepared to provide your personal data to the other party, particularly your insurance company, policy number, and driver’s license number.
Further Information
The U.S. Embassy in Rome is located at Via Vittorio Veneto 121 - 00187 Roma.
The U.S. Consulate in Milan is located at Via Principe Amedeo, 2/10 - 20121 Milano.
The U.S. Consulate in Florence is located at Lungarno Vespucci, 38 - 50123 Firenze.
The U.S. Consulate Naples is located at Piazza della Repubblica - 80122 Napoli.
U.S. citizens can contact the Embassy at the following numbers:
U.S. Embassy Rome: (39) (06) 4674 - 1 (24-hour)
Regional Security Office: (39) (06) 4674 - 2175
U.S. citizens traveling to Italy should register with the U.S. Embassy and can obtain updated travel information by visiting http://italy.usembassy.gov/english/ .
OSAC Country Council
Italy has an active OSAC Country Council. For further information on the OSAC Country Council in Italy, visit http://italy.osac.gov/ or contact the Regional Security Office of the U.S. Embassy in Rome. For more information on OSAC Country Councils visit https://www.osac.gov/.
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