There is an Italy that does not appear in the glossy brochures distributed in travel agencies. An Italy made of thefts, snakes and attacks that are multiplying to the symbolic places of international tourism. Foreign visitors know it and begin to be afraid.
Venice, 900 portfolios recovered
To launch the alarm is Gianni Franzoideputy commander of the local police of Venice: “Only in the station in Piazza San Marco have we recovered 900 wallets since the beginning of the year”. A partial fact, because many reports also come from other areas. Almost all of the robbed? Foreign tourists.
Minors and recurrence
The authors? Minors and faces already known to the police. Stop, they are often released after a few hours. The lagoon city is not an isolated case. Throughout Italy, similar episodes multiply.
Palermo and Austrian and American attacks
In Palermoin mid -July, two Austrian tourists were robbed and beaten Near the Polyclinic. The next day, an American couple was attacked in the center by a Baby Gang Army Baseball Mazza. The man, hit in the face, ended up on the ground bleeding.
Pisa: raid to the Chinese on a trip
On July 3, a group of Chinese tourists visiting the Torre di Pisa suffered a theft luggage kept in the tourist bus. The news triggered the Chinese media and clogged the embassy switchboards.
Fear on social media
Social social networks become thermometer of the discomfort: “Welcome to Italy, land of the thefts”writes a user. And again: «How is the situation on the Amalfi coast? Is it dangerous as Rome and Venice? “.
The recommendations of foreign governments
Switzerland warns its citizens: “Beware of pickpockets, especially in tourist places and railway stations”.
The United Kingdom confirms: “Avoid bringing all your valuable objects with you”. Particular attention to the Termini station of Romeconsidered at risk.
Rome and Milan: shock data
In the capital, also in view of the Jubileethe problem explodes. Second Confcommerciothe crimes in the metropolitan area are grown by 23.2% In five years. Only in 2024, the robberies in the public via have increased 51.3%and Bags of 68%touching altitude 33,455 cases: an average of 92 per day.
The luxury shots: Patek, Richard Mille and Rolex
Also high -end tourists are also in the sights. On 11 July, in the fashion quadrilateral a Milana German tourist was attacked for a Patek Philippe of 150 thousand euros.
Same city, another case: Nevzat Kayamanager of the trabzonspor, has been robbed of his Richard Mille from 300 thousand euros.
TO Caprithe English baron Ara Darzi It was robbed of its watch from 200 thousand euros in the center.
The impact on tourism
Embassies and foreign travel agencies are activated: some offer Special insurance covers against attacks and thefts.
Not only bags: sexual violence increase
The episodes of sexual violence increase and also affect young tourists. In Palermo, one Canadian. In Rome, one German mother and daughter. In Ravello, one U.S. minor.
The emergency has become normal
The one that until recently was archived as one “Safety emergency”today takes on the contours of a dramatic and dangerous custom. And Italy risks paying a very high price in terms of reputation and tourist attractiveness.
