Florence #3 in Italy for Crime
The Tuscan capital ranks on the podium of the most crime-ridden cities in Italy, in third place, just after Milan and Rome. According to the Crime Index 2024 report from Il Sole 24 Ore, Florence ranks first for the highest number of robberies. Nearly 60,000 crime complaints were reported in 2023.
The Crime Index analyzed the 14 largest cities. In Florence, the number of assaults on the streets increased by 56 percent between 2023 and 2024. Attention to the issue of security was raised once again following a recent robbery-related attack in the Via Palazzuolo area, which left a 91-year-old man hospitalized and battling for his life. Tuscany also leads the ranking of cities with the highest number of residential burglaries. Pisa takes the first place (481 police reports filed per 100,000 residents), followed closely by Florence (433.2 police reports per 100,000 residents) and Lucca (427.1 police reports per 100,000 residents). Unfortunately, the number of pickpockets in the streets of Florence has also doubled since last year. Additionally, more and more people are reporting cybercrimes.
What has been done so far to ensure greater security? After the assault of a 91-year old man, several changes were introduced. Police foot patrols were increased. Minister of Internal Affairs, Matteo Piantedosi, recently established Polmetro, a division consisting specialized agents responsible for territorial controls, which he intends to send to Florence. They would reinforce the work of existing police patrols, because the problem of insufficient personnel to monitor the streets of Florence had already arisen.
Florence mayor Sara Funaro decided to sign a city ordinance requiring minimarkets (not bars, restaurants or pubs) selling alcohol to close every day at 9 pm in particularly shady areas. The ordinance was introduced on September 6 and will remain in force for 120 days. If businesses do not to close after 9 pm, they will be required to pay fines and face a suspension on five days for the first offense, 10 days for the second and 15 days for subsequent violations. Specifically, the ordinance applies to minimarkets on Via Maso Finiguerra, Via Palazzuolo, Via dell’Agnolo, Piazza di San Jacopino and Via di San Jacopino, Via Nazionale, Via Benedetto Marcello, Via di Maragliano, Via del Ponte alle Mosse, Via Guelfa, Via Panicale, Via Chiara, Via Rocca Tedalda, Via dei Vanni, Via Canova, Via di Villa Demidoff, Via delle Panche, Via Caccini, and Piazza IV Novembre.
The Mayor of Florence says the increased number of robberies and assault is also associated with a rise in the drug use. For this reason, the city is working to implement a plan to combat drug use. Authorities state that security is the most important issue, however it must be resolved not only through police presence, but also by investing in social and health policies. (paulina juzak)
