Rome, Italy: 2006 Crime and Safety Report

Crime & Safety

Europe - Italy
1 Mar 2006

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The following is an assessment of the current general crime and safety situation for Rome, Vatican, Naples and Florence. While this assessment applies directly to the Rome consular district, many if not all of the circumstances discussed are applicable to all of the major cities in Italy, which include the consulates in Florence and Naples. It is recommended that the traveler review the U.S. Embassy website (www.usembassy.it) for all updated and special information. Long-term visitors may also register to receive e-mails from the Embassy regarding urgent public announcements or warden messages for Americans by contacting the nearest U.S. Embassy or consulate in Italy.

Overall Crime and Safety Situation

Minor crime in the Rome consular district, and especially Rome proper, continues to be a persistent problem. Most crimes tend to be non-violent property crimes, such as purse snatchings, pocket pickings and residential and vehicle break-ins. The Centro Storico (city center) has the highest incidents of these types of crimes. In Florence, city authorities reported a slight increase in pocket picking, purse snatching and homicide in 2005, as compared to 2004. Florence also reported an increase in sexual assaults during the same time period. In 2005, Florence reported a sharp increase in crimes against American students, especially use of date rape drugs.

Each section of Rome, as is the case with other Italian cities, has its own particular type of crime problem. 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, is noted for petty crimes, although serious crimes could and do occur periodically. Purse snatchings and pocket pickings are the most frequent, especially in the summer. Other high risk locations in the center of Rome are the Prati, Trionfale, Via Emo and Piazza Cavour areas (all near St. Peter's). Car thieves prefer the areas outside of the Centro Storico, like Giovanni and Appia, where there is less of a police presence. House burglaries occurred most often in areas such as Salaria-Parioli, Porta del Popolo, Vescovio and Villa Gloria.

Street Crime:

Most street crime is overt and centers on purse snatching and pocket picking. Police estimate that there are over 1,000 "velvet hand" gangs operating in and around Rome, whose specialty is picking pockets and committing petty theft. The profile of most common street criminals is individuals 30 to 40 years old and addicted to drugs. Purses are either simply grabbed or straps are slashed by a person on foot or often by a person passing by on a motor scooter. In some cases, the intended victim is hit with mud or some other unsavory substances. During the confusion that follows, the purse, luggage or other valuables are taken. Persons should be aware that most purse snatching is often done on cobblestone roads and tends to be directed against women wearing high heel shoes. After the purse is snatched, the criminal either runs up a side street or to an awaiting motor scooter and driver.

Individuals should be advised not to carry purses or handbags with the strap lengthwise over the body. They should carry the purse or handbag with the strap over the shoulder and the purse facing away from the street. With the strap over the shoulder, it can be released quickly, especially in case of a sudden purse snatching. Whereas, if the strap is lengthwise over the body, a purse snatching may become violent if the criminal jerks or drags the victim. This safety precaution helps avoid any head or shoulder injuries that might result from a sudden fall.

Pickpocket Rings:

Well-organized pickpocket rings are a continual problem, with members ranging in age from five years old to adults. These rings often work in small groups, predominantly comprised of children, and succeed by simply overwhelming the victim. They often approach the intended victim with a piece of cardboard in their hand and shove it towards the victim's face. While you are reacting, their accomplices take your valuables. The adult women ring members often carry babies and operate in the same manner. They shove the baby towards you while the other children circle around. They may scream in your ear or try other means to distract. The best advice is to not let them get close to you when you see them coming. If they do, do not be afraid to act aggressively toward them by shouting at them to go away.

Public Buses:

There are numerous reports of persons being victimized by pocket picking on Rome ATAC buses, which are often very crowded. Many victims do not even realize that they have been robbed. For example, most victims reported that they boarded the bus with their personal contents in order, and when they exited, they realized that their wallet was missing or the contents of their purse were gone. Most crime on public buses is covert. The criminal often does not fit the typical stereotype. He or she may be well dressed or elderly or young or accompanied by children. Women have reported that a knife or razor has slit their handbags and the contents removed, while men have lost items from inner jacket pockets.

ATAC (Public Bus):

Route No. 64 from Termini to St. Peter's is the most notorious route for petty crime in the city. These buses are always crowded with tourists. One must be especially vigilant when on this route. Get a seat if possible. Persons with bags should keep them in front of them, making it more difficult for the thieves to dip into one's bag and extract valuables. Wallets should be kept in a front pocket. Once valuables are out of one's constant view, they become much easier for thieves to steal. If your credit cards are stolen, report the theft immediately to the credit card companies in order to block the accounts. There are known scams that involve collusion of thief and shop employees. In one recent case, thousands of dollars of merchandize were charged with the stolen card within a few hours of the theft.

Political Violence

Certain factions of the anti­globalization movement tend to orchestrate violent demonstrations for major events. For example, members of the "Black Bloc" and other anarchist groups blocked the highway to Torino in protest of the construction of the high­ speed railroad to Paris (TAV project). Concern remains that these same groups could use demonstrations in the future to target U.S. Government facilities and businesses in Italy.

It is believed that the violent Red Brigade (Brigitta Rossa) units that flourished in the early 1980s have been largely eliminated; however, individuals claiming to represent the Red Brigades have assumed responsibility for the assassinations of two key advisors to the Italian Minister of Labor. In addition, a group known as "The Autonomists" has claimed responsibility for Molotov cocktails thrown at several office buildings. Incidents occurred at night in an apparent effort to avoid human injury. Members are suspected to be mostly radical students and disruptive youths. In April 2005, suspected anarchist groups firebombed a well-known American video chain, a fast food restaurant, and a bank in Milan.

Police Response and Medical Emergencies

Police response and services throughout Italy are very efficient. 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 the event of a theft or any other mishap, please refer to the following list of helpful telephone numbers:

Police (Polizia di Stato) 113

Fire Department (Vigili del Fuoco) 115

Military Police (Carabinieri) 112

Ambulance first aid only: 118

Please be aware, ambulance services are different for each city; the Vigili Urbani (local municipal police) numbers are different for each city as well.

Tips to Avoid Becoming a Victim

American visitors are generally safe in Italy and are not singled out or targeted based on nationality, but rather for looking like a tourist. Americans are generally safer from violent crime in Italy than in most large American cities. Of course, this does not mean that people are immune from crime. Most of the crimes committed against American tourists and visitors fall into the category of petty theft, such as pocket picking and purse snatching, and the RSO is aware of only a handful of reports of violent crime. The following is general advice for safeguarding valuables in Rome, but these tips can be applied to any city or situation.

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 off balance in your walking style or appear to be lost or wandering. There is evidence that criminals will observe these vulnerabilities and target these types of individuals. Also, do not walk too close to the street or too close to buildings. Care should be given to walk, as much as possible, in the middle of the sidewalk and whenever possible, against the flow of traffic.

Public Transportation
Be attentive to your surroundings and keep control of your personal items. While waiting in line, keep your luggage close, or put the luggage straps through your arm or one of your legs to keep control of your personal belongings. All authorized taxis are yellow or white and have meters - take only these taxis. Do not use a private unlicensed car service.

Traveling with Children
Parents should remind children that their cooperation is needed during travel. Families can become a prime target if the children are uncooperative and attention is focused on disciplining them.

Driving
Driving in Italy can be difficult and the following information is provided for use in the event of an automobile accident:

1. Do not move your car (except in cases where neither you nor the other party is interested in establishing liability, i.e., negligible damage).

2. If you do not speak Italian, let others involved in the accident know by saying "non parlo Italiano."

3. Look for the Carabinieri or Vigili Urbani (municipal police). If they are not near, telephone them (in Rome­ 67691) and provide the address of the accident. Note: the Polizia di Stato (blue cars) does not handle accidents.

4. 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.

5. If police arrive, they will ascertain responsibility, take personal information from you, and file a report of the accident.

6. If the police do not come, ask the other party for: 

    a. Date and time of accident and exact location 

    b. Full name and address of persons involved in the accident 

    c. Witnesses (full name, address and phone number) 

    d. Full name and address of person injured 

    e. Make and model of vehicle including the vehicle license number 

    f. Name of insurance company, policy number and expiration date, full name and address of the person driving, driver's license (type, number, date and expiration date, issued by)

7. Do not sign any statement (C.R.D Form) without a full understanding of the charges or statements

8. Be prepared to provide your personal data to the other party, particularly your insurance company and policy number, and driver's license number.

For Further Information

U.S. EMBASSY ROME
U.S Embassy Switchboard: (39) (6) 4674 - 1
Regional Security Office: (39) (6) 4674 - 2175
24-hour Emergency Number (39) (6) 4674 - 2112
U.S. Embassy Rome website: www.usembassy.it/english/  

OSAC PRESENCE
The U.S. private sector community participates in the OSAC Italy Country Council, whose meetings rotate between Rome and Florence.  For more information, visit http://italy.osac.gov.