Traveler Toolkit
Italy 2020 Crime & Safety Report: Naples
Italy 2020 Crime & Safety Report: Naples
This is an annual report produced in conjunction with the Regional Security Office at the U.S. Consulate in Naples. OSAC encourages travelers to use this report to gain baseline knowledge of security conditions in southern Italy. For more in-depth information, review OSAC’s Italy country page for original OSAC reporting, consular messages, and contact information, some of which may be available only to private-sector representatives with an OSAC password.
Travel Advisory
The current U.S. Department of State at the date of this report’s publication advises reconsidering travel to Italy due to a recent outbreak of COVID-19. However, the Travel Advisory in effect prior to the outbreak assessed Italy at Level 2, indicating travelers should exercise increased caution in Italy due to terrorism. Do not travel to Lombardy and Veneto due to the level of community transmission of the virus and imposition of local quarantine procedures. Review OSAC’s report, Understanding the Consular Travel Advisory System.
Overall Crime and Safety Situation
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Naples as being a MEDIUM-threat location for crime directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests. Criminals occasionally target tourists, foreigners, and local citizens for petty theft based on assumed affluence, but not on nationality. Most street crimes tend to be non-violent attempts to obtain property (e.g. purse snatching, pickpocketing, residential/vehicle break-ins); however, attempted robberies can quickly turn violent if victims resist. The center of Naples -- Piazza Garibaldi (the central train station), Centro Storico, Quartieri Spagnoli, and other tourist sites -- are most noted for petty crimes, although serious crimes can and do occur. House burglaries do occur and are frequently reported in the Lago Patria and Pozzuoli areas.
Congested areas such as central squares, narrow side streets, subways, buses, and trams all offer lucrative hunting grounds for pickpockets, as the number of tourists, coupled with the close proximity and jostling of passengers, enables theft. Millions of U.S. tourists visited southern Italy in 2019, and over 260 U.S. passports were reported lost or stolen. Review OSAC’s reports, All That You Should Leave Behind.
Car thieves prefer areas outside of the city center and the outskirts, which usually have less of a police presence compared to the city center. Unattended vehicles in monument parking lots and highway rest stops are also noted areas for vehicle break-ins; however, unattended vehicles or vehicles with visible items present targets of opportunity anywhere. Avoid leaving your vehicle unattended, if possible. Park cars in a garage or in a well-illuminated area. Privately owned vehicles continue to be a particularly attractive target. Perpetrators also target rental cars driven by unsuspecting tourists. One method criminals employ is to block a targeted vehicle with a scooter while an accomplice sneaks up and snatches electronics and other valuables through open windows or unlocked car doors. Another technique involves a motorist communicating that you have a flat tire in an attempt to get you to stop, in order to rob you. A recently reported method involves assailants throwing a rat in an occupied car; when the occupants flee the vehicle to escape the rat, thieves jump in and drive away with it.
Organized crime groups (e.g. Camorra, Ndrangheta, Cosa Nostra, Sacra Corona Unita) are active and maintain a presence in southern Italy; armed violence between rival groups is common. The violence often takes place away from touristed areas; however, violent exchanges have taken place in and around areas where tourists, U.S. diplomats, expatriates, and active duty service members live and congregate. Consult with credible local experts and local law enforcement to ensure your business interests are not impacted, infiltrated by, or inadvertently doing business with a criminal organization.
Piazza del Gesu’, a large plaza in south Naples, 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 spill patrons into the square. The combination of alcohol, bravado, and inter-gang rivalries make fights frequent in this area. Centro Storico, to include the Spanish Quarter (Quartieri Spagnoli), has seen violent episodes involving stabbings and shootings. Tourists are not targets. However, gun violence may take the form of scooter-mounted drive-by shootings, where bullets may strike people beyond their intended targets. In general, stick to main avenues and piazzas, and enjoy the historic center during daylight hours.
Cybersecurity Issues
Cybercrime is a growing concern for Italian authorities. According to authorities, credit card fraud, ATM skimming, and identity hacking account for 75% of all financial crime in the city. The U.S. Secret Service in Rome is assisting Italian law enforcement authorities in investigating an increase in the appearance of ATM skimming devices. Use ATMs located in well-lighted public areas or secured inside a bank/business. Cover the keypad with one hand as you enter your PIN. Look for gaps, tampered appearance, or other irregularities between the metal faceplate of the ATM and the card reader. Avoid card readers that are not flush with the face of the ATM. Closely monitor your account statements for unauthorized transactions. Review OSAC’s reports, The Overseas Traveler’s Guide to ATM Skimmers & Fraud and Taking Credit.
Protect sensitive computer-based programs and operations. It is not uncommon for private corporations or government agencies to fall victim to hackers or other cyber-related attacks regardless of their location worldwide. Review OSAC’s reports, Cybersecurity Basics, Best Practices for Maximizing Security on Public Wi-Fi, and Traveling with Mobile Devices: Trends & Best Practices.
Transportation-Safety Situation
Road Safety and Road Conditions
Driving is not only stressful but also dangerous. Drivers often ignore traffic laws. Enforcement by local traffic officials is limited and ineffective. Scooters and motorcycles generally do not follow the rules of the road, and often use sidewalks to get around vehicles. Mountain roads in rural areas are vulnerable to falling rocks and mudslides. Review OSAC’s reports, Road Safety Abroad, Driving Overseas: Best Practices, and Evasive Driving Techniques; and read the State Department’s webpage on driving and road safety abroad.
Pedestrians do not have the right-of-way and must be very careful when crossing the road, even in approved crosswalks. Look both ways, even when crossing a one-way street.
Drivers frequently pass on superhighways (autostrada) at very high speeds. Rural roads are generally narrow, often have no guardrails, and inconsistent speed limits. Seat belt use is compulsory. You must use headlights year-round, and at all times, outside of urban areas. During the autumn/winter months, you must have either winter tires or carry snow chains if driving outside urban areas. Be careful when crossing streets, even when using a marked crosswalk with a green walk light illuminated.
Police traffic control checkpoints are common; police can pull you over without probable cause. If this happens, do not be alarmed or assume you have done something wrong, simply cooperate and present them with your driver’s license. If police stop you, under certain conditions you may pay the police officer issuing the ticket immediately. Be prepared to pay in cash in local currency. Local police can confiscate your car if you cannot pay the fine. Police impose fines for those driving without the proper permits in historic downtown areas of cities and towns throughout Italy. Cameras photograph the license plates of cars illegally driving in parts of the city that require a permit. Authorities forward the fines imposed for these violations to the driver’s home in the United States to request payment. For definitive legal guidance or to contest a fine, consult a lawyer licensed to practice in Italy.
Individuals involved in a traffic accident should take the following suggested actions:
- Car Accident with Injuries
Call 112 to inform the dispatcher of your location, details regarding injuries, and the accident. Wait for emergency services to arrive. They will provide care and transport of the injured, reestablish traffic flow, and complete an accident report form. Note the name and destination of any injured persons to be transported by ambulance from the scene. A police report will be helpful in this regard. Do not sign any documents that you do not clearly understand or that do not conform to your grasp of the factors surrounding the accident.
- Car Accident without Injuries and No Agreement on the Facts Relating to the Accident
Call 112. If vehicles are blocking traffic, Italian law requires you move the vehicles if possible. Before moving your vehicle, document the position of the vehicle by any means possible. Extensive photographs can help, but do not consider this the sole source of evidence. Search for skid marks, broken glass, debris, or any other evidence that may help in determining the facts of the accident. Take photographs of all damage to both vehicles and pay particular attention to any pre-existing damage. Try to establish a third-party witness; even if this person is another motorist who cannot wait for the police to arrive, obtain names and phone numbers of actual witnesses who the police can contact. Witness fabrication is not uncommon. There have been reported cases of family members who were not actually present acting as witnesses to accident scenes. In incidents without injury, the police will not issue a police report. The expectation is that the parties will exchange insurance information and the insurance agencies will assign fault.
- Car Accident without Injuries and Agreement on the Facts Relating to the Accident
Consider the above paragraph first. Wait for the police to arrive and document the incident. Complete the Constatazione Amichevole di Incidente Automobilistico (CAIA, Agreed Statement of Facts on Motor Vehicle Accident). Give a copy to each party. Do not sign the completed form if there is disagreement regarding the version/sequence of events represented. Contact your insurance company; obtain guidance on how to send them the CAIA and inquire about further steps regarding damages/related expenses.
Public Transportation Conditions
Consider using taxis or public transportation if you do not have experience driving in Naples. Only use licensed taxis. Make sure a taxi has a meter and that the driver activates it upon departure. All authorized taxis are white, have meters, and have an identification number on the outside of the door. Take a photo of this number before getting in, so you have documentation in the event of a problem later. Do not use private, unlicensed car services.
Use extra caution while in/around train stations. The large crowds and chaotic atmosphere provide an ideal environment for criminals. Criminals at the Piazza Garibaldi train station use diversion techniques. One common example involves criminals who ask for directions, and while the victim is helping, another criminal covertly takes a piece of luggage. Other techniques may involve a thief intentionally spilling mustard, yogurt, or soda on the victim and then apologizing profusely and helping the victim clean up while an accomplice is relieving the victim of their valuables. Thieves offer to help a person struggling with bags or strollers, pick up one of the bags, and disappear into the crowd. Review OSAC’s Report, Security in Transit: Airplanes, Public Transport, and Overnights.
Terrorism Threat
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Naples as being a MEDIUM-threat location for terrorist activity directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests. Terrorist groups, to include foreign terrorist organizations and local extremist individuals, continue to plan attacks against U.S. and Western interests in Europe. There is a continuing threat in Europe from unaffiliated persons planning attacks inspired by major terrorist organizations but conducted on an individual basis. In the past several years, extremist attacks have been planned or conducted in Europe. European governments have taken action to guard against terrorist attacks, and some have made official declarations regarding heightened threat conditions.
Italy’s concerns for terrorism are exacerbated by its proximity to North Africa and the Middle East. Italy has figured prominently in the rhetoric of groups such as ISIS, al-Qa’ida, and al-Shabaab. Milan and northern Italy are home to large Muslim communities with ongoing concerns of radicalization. While Lombardy has the largest population of settled migrants, southern Italy is close behind, as it is the entry point for most migrants. The Italian government has a robust counterterrorism program and actively monitors known/suspected foreign fighters and terrorists.
Political, Economic, Religious, and Ethnic Violence
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Naples as being a LOW-threat location for political violence directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests. Public demonstrations happen frequently. Some factions (e.g. anti-TAV, anti-MUOS, anti-globalization, anti-EU, anti-GM) have organized protests that have turned violent. Concern remains that these same groups could use demonstrations to target U.S. government facilities and business interests. All demonstrations must have a valid permit and local police approval, though non-approved demonstrations do take place. Typically, there are four common locations for these demonstrations:
- Italian companies (labor disputes);
- U.S. Consulate General and Consular Agency (anti-U.S. foreign policy or other);
- Piazza del Plebiscito;
- Regional/city hall buildings.
Usually, these demonstrations are under the tight supervision of the police. Avoid these events, because hostile elements within the crowds can escalate the situation. Large crowds are also attractive targets for pickpockets. Review OSAC’s report, Surviving a Protest.
Anti-U.S./Anti-Western Sentiment
Anti-U.S. rhetoric comes from small groups opposing military operations or specific programs. Demonstrations occur frequently and can be anti-U.S. in nature, especially in areas hosting U.S. military bases.
Post-specific Concerns
Environmental Hazards
Earthquakes are endemic to this region. The Department of State’s Overseas Buildings Operations Bureau rates Naples as a Level 2B (moderate) seismically active area. Many buildings/infrastructure are old and suffer from poor maintenance. A mild but longer-lasting earthquake could result in significant damage, and has the potential to cause injury and death. There have been strong earthquakes in the past 30 years that resulted in serious property damage. The potential for a tsunami following an earthquake is also a possibility; include this as part of coastal emergency crisis planning. The center of Naples is connected to the rest of the region by tunnels and skyways, which if damaged, could block emergency exit from the city, leaving only the bay as a viable escape route – assuming a tsunami has not disrupted port facilities.
Floods occasionally occur during the winter when heavy rains and melting snow cause local rivers to swell beyond the flood plain. Coastal and mountain roads can become precarious, especially during periods of rain and/or snow.
Italy also has several active volcanoes, including Mt. Etna in eastern Sicily. Travelers to Sicily should be aware of the possibility for travel disruptions, including airport closures, in the event of volcanic activity, and should check the website of the Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia for detailed information and daily updates. Italy has many other areas of potential volcanic activity, especially in the vicinity of Naples. Any visit to an active volcano or volcanic field bears a certain amount of risk. While small-scale eruptions have often occurred in recent years, resulting in limited damage and impact to surrounding areas, volcanic activity is unpredictable and sudden. Travelers should exercise caution, follow posted instructions, stay on authorized trails, and use reputable tour operators.
Critical Infrastructure
The disruption of critical infrastructure response services (e.g. ambulance, fire, police response) after a catastrophic event is extremely likely. Formulate a personal plan for such situations.
Economic Concerns/Intellectual Property Theft
Avoid street vendors selling knock-off designer products; police may fine you up to several thousand Euros if you buy them.
Students are often targets of theft or sexual assault. Review the State Department’s webpage on security for female travelers.
There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGBTI events in Italy. Same sex civil unions are legally recognized in Italy. Review the State Department’s webpage on security for LGBTI+ travelers.
Narrow, streets with cobbled stones are pervasive in Italy. Many sidewalks lack ramps, and some streets lack sidewalks altogether or, as in Venice, feature stairs and narrow pedestrian bridges. Many hotels, attractions and means of public transportation do not have ramps, elevators, or accessible bathrooms.
Train stations in Italy have accommodations for wheelchair riders; with advanced notice, those with a disability can receive assistance when transiting through a station. Hand-controlled rental cars are available in Italy from major car rental companies; contact the car rental company well in advance of your trip to reserve the vehicle. Guide dog owners must present the documentation required by European Union Member States in order to enter Italy with a dog. Review the State Department’s webpage on security for travelers with disabilities.
Travelers have reported incidents in which criminals used drugs to assault or rob them.
Kidnapping Threat
Do not discount the threat of being kidnapped. Review OSAC’s report, Kidnapping: The Basics.
Other Issues
Review OSAC’s report, Picture This: Dos and Don’ts for Photography.
Read the State Department’s webpage on customs and import restrictions for information on what you cannot take into or out of other countries.
Police Response
The line for emergencies and carabinieri in Italy is 112. The police line is 113, and the fire emergency line is 115. Police response and services are generally good, but response can vary depending on the service area. The Polizia di Stato (state police) and the Carabinieri (military police with Italy-wide law enforcement powers and jurisdiction) are well-trained and well-equipped. These two security groups offer a full range of police services, though resource constraints can impact the way they perform their duties.
Italy has a higher level of police presence than most countries. In 2008, Operazione Strade Sicure began adding military patrols throughout major cities to supplement civilian police patrols and to deter both crime and terrorist attacks. Today, it is common to see police and military patrolling areas throughout the city, especially at popular landmarks. For more on local first responders, refer to U.S. Embassy Rome’s Emergency Assistance page.
Thieves sometimes impersonate police officers. If a plainclothes police officer stops you, ask for a uniformed officer or insist on seeing an officer's identification card (documento). Do not hand over your wallet. Immediately report the incident to the actual police at a police station or by dialing 112 from a local phone. Download the State Department’s Crime Victims Assistance brochure.
Medical Emergencies
The emergency line for ambulances (First Aid only) is 118. Adequate health facilities and ambulance services are widely available, but training and availability of emergency responders may be below U.S. standards, and facilities may be limited outside urban areas. Medical staff may speak little or no English. Generally, in public hospitals only minimal staff is available overnight in non-emergency wards.
Public hospitals, though generally free of charge for emergency services, may not maintain the same standards as hospitals in the United States. Private hospitals usually require advance payment or proof of adequate insurance before admitting a patient. Travelers should make efforts to obtain complete information on billing, pricing, and proposed medical procedures before agreeing to any medical care. In most cases, patients bear costs for transfer to or between hospitals. Find contact information for available medical services and available air ambulance services on the U.S. Embassy website.
The Italian Health Ministry sets rules defining importation of prescriptions and medications into Italy. However, the Health Ministry website does not have information in English. According to the Health Ministry, foreigners entering Italy may bring personal medications for a period of 30 days, but should also bring a copy of their prescription with them. Travelers should not bring excess supplies of prescription drugs into the country, and cannot bring prescription drugs for other people. Italian Customs laws strictly regulate the importation of medications into Italy by courier services or by mail. Italian customs clears all incoming shipments of medications -- even small amounts for personal use -- and will allow them to clear customs only upon presentation from the receiving party of a statement signed by a physician licensed in Italy, certifying that the medication is essential for the patient; that he/she would be put in a life-threatening situation without it; and that there is no substitute or equivalent medication available on the Italian market. Delays in the release of medications by Italian Customs received by mail or by courier services are common. Review OSAC’s report, Traveling with Medication.
In parts of Italy, the lack of adequate trash disposal and incineration sites has led to periodic accumulations of garbage in urban and rural areas. In some cases, residents have burned garbage, resulting in toxic emissions that can aggravate respiratory problems.
The U.S. Department of State strongly recommends purchasing international health insurance before traveling internationally. Review the State Departments webpage on insurance overseas.
The CDC offers additional information on vaccines and health guidance for Italy.
OSAC Country Council Information
There is no Country Council in Naples. Contact OSAC’s Europe team for more information.
U.S. Consulate General Contact Information
Piazza della Repubblica, 80122 Naples
Regular hours: 0800 – 1700, Monday – Friday
Consulate Operator: (+39) 081-5838-111. Marine Post One: (+39) 081-583-8208
Website: https://it.usembassy.gov/embassy-consulates/naples/
Other U.S. Diplomatic Posts In Italy
- Embassy Rome, Via Veneto 119/A, 00187 Rome. (+39) 06-4674-2112
- Consulate Florence, Lungarno Vespucci, 38, 50123 Firenze. (+39) 055 266 951
- Consulate Milan, via Principe Amedeo, 2/10, 20121 Milano. (+39) 02 290 351
- Virtual Presence Post San Marino
Helpful Information
Before you travel, consider the following resources: