Safety in Italy: real crime rate 2026

The Big Picture: How Dangerous Italy Is

Italy is a safe country by European standards. Violent crimes are rare. The risk of becoming a victim of a street attack or robbery in most cities is minimal.

The Global Peace Index 2024 places Italy in 33rd place. For comparison: Russia - 109th place, Ukraine - 157th. The Numbeo crime index is about 46 points. This is a moderate level - about the same as in France (51) or slightly lower than in Spain (48).

The main feature of Italy: crime is heterogeneous. The north of the country is calm and comfortable. The south is more difficult for a number of reasons. Inside cities, a quiet residential area and a disadvantaged area can coexist within a 10-minute walk.

For a permanent resident (not a tourist), the picture is even better. Most of the problems are related specifically to tourist areas: train stations, crowded squares, popular attractions.

What crimes actually happen?

Understanding crime patterns is more important than knowing general statistics. In Italy there are several characteristic categories.

Pickpocketing is a major problem. This is the most common type of crime for visitors. Professional thieves work in crowded places: subways, buses, tourist squares, markets. They are especially active in Rome (Termini area, Colosseum, metro lines A and B), Florence (Santa Maria Novella, Ponte Vecchio), Naples (historic center, train station).

Rental fraud. Online advertisements with reduced prices, prepayment without showing the apartment, fake contracts - relevant for those who are looking for housing remotely. Always request a showing via video link and check the owner’s documents.

Tourist deception schemes. “Flower” scam (they forcefully hand over a flower and demand money), fake petitions with theft of a wallet, playing thimble near attractions. Typical for Rome and Florence.

Theft from cars. Common in tourist spots: parking lots near beaches, observation decks. Don't leave valuables in your car - even in a closed trunk.

Apartment burglary. More often in the south and in the outskirts of large cities. The statistics are higher than in the Scandinavian countries, but comparable to the European average.

Organized crime: mafia and reality

The mafia is not a myth, but also not what is shown in the movies. Organized crime exists: Cosa Nostra in Sicily, 'Ndrangheta in Calabria, Camorra in Naples.

For the average resident or tourist, this is almost invisible. Organized crime in Italy is involved in business: control of construction contracts, logistics, sales markets. Foreigners outside this system remain out of sight.

Cases of attacks on tourists or emigrants for “mafia” reasons are extremely rare. These types of incidents are not recorded as a systemic threat.

However, living in Palermo, Reggio Calabria or certain neighborhoods of Naples is a different experience compared to Milan. The psychological background, the level of trust in the authorities, the quality of police work - all this is different. Most expats prefer to live further north.

North versus South: the difference in security

This is the main geographical divide on the topic of security in Italy.

The conclusion is simple: if you choose a place to live, the north of Italy and Tuscany are definitely the winning option in terms of safety.

Rome: safe and dangerous areas

Rome is the capital and main tourist magnet. A city of contrasts in terms of security.

Areas to avoid (or be careful):

• Torpignattara - eastern region, high domestic crime, tense social situation
• Tor Bella Monaca - problematic periphery, one of the most disadvantaged neighborhoods of the capital
• Primavalle - Western periphery, domestic conflicts, not recommended for families
• Termini Quarter at night - station area, concentration of pickpockets and beggars

Safe and comfortable areas to live:

• Parioli - quiet green area for wealthy families, very calm
• Trastevere - historical atmosphere, touristy but generally safe
• EUR - business district in the southwest, modern infrastructure, low crime
• Prati - next to the Vatican, bourgeois and quiet quarter
• Flaminio - museums, parks, family atmosphere

Rule for Rome: the closer to the historical center, the more tourist thefts. The further you go to the eastern periphery, the higher the level of domestic crime.

Milan and the north: the safest areas

Milan is the business capital of Italy and one of the safest major cities in the country. The Numbeo crime index for Milan is lower than for Rome or Naples.

The best areas of Milan to live:

• Porta Nuova and Isola - modern business and residential center, excellent infrastructure
• Brera - bohemian quarter, galleries, restaurants, very safe
• Navigli - channels, youthful atmosphere, popular with expats
• Zona Moscova - quiet, green, family

Caution is needed in: peripheral neighborhoods of Milanese Periphery (Gratosoglio, Quarto Oggiaro) - there are domestic incidents there, but these are not tourist areas.

Bologna is another great option. A student city, a university atmosphere, one of the most peaceful cities in Italy. Verona and Trento are for those who want a completely quiet life in the north.

Florence and Naples: details

Florence is safe for life, but has its own specifics. The historical center is a tourist trap for pickpockets. Residential areas outside the center (Oltrarno, Campo di Marte, Coverciano) are quiet and comfortable.

Naples is the most difficult major city in Italy to live in. This does not mean that it is dangerous there every hour. But the level of trust in the police is lower, social tension is higher, and there are more domestic incidents. Expats who live in Naples tend to choose the Posillipo (fashionable mountain area by the sea) or Vomero (calm, hilly area).

For comparison: the Numbeo safety index for Bologna is about 65 points, for Naples - about 40. The difference is noticeable.

Safety for women and families with children

Italy is a fairly comfortable country for women, although the situation is not uniform across regions.

In the north of the country, a woman can easily walk alone in the evening in most neighborhoods. In Milan, Bologna, Florence, the safety standard is comparable to Switzerland or Austria.

In the south and in some neighborhoods of Rome, women are more likely to encounter unwanted attention on the street. This is not a crime, but it is psychologically uncomfortable. Tourist areas with high traffic levels are generally safer than deserted streets late at night.

For families with children Italy is a great choice. Italians love children. The infrastructure for families is developed: playgrounds, parks, a culture of walking with children. The most comfortable cities for families: Bologna, Verona, Florence, Trento.

Foreign children are accepted into schools without any problems. Italy is one of the countries where Russian-speaking families feel good - there is a strong Russian-speaking diaspora in Milan, Rome, Florence.

Police and emergency services: how it works

There are several police forces in Italy. The Carabinieri are a paramilitary police force that deals with serious crimes. Polyquestura (Polizia di Stato) - civilian police for most everyday occasions. Vigili Urbani - municipal police, traffic supervision.

Emergency numbers:

• 112 - a single emergency number (works throughout the EU)
• 113 - police
• 115 - firefighters
• 118 - ambulance

Dealing with the Italian police as a foreigner requires patience. Bureaucracy is slow. If you have been robbed, you need to submit an application (denuncia) at the nearest branch - this is important for insurance and residence permit procedures.

The police response to serious incidents is adequate by European standards. Less resources are spent on minor thefts from tourists: there are few actually solved cases. This is a minus of the system.

In tourist cities there are special units to help foreigners. In Rome - Polizia Turistica, staff speak English.

Fraud and digital security

A separate topic is non-physical threats. In Italy they are relevant for those moving.

Rental scam. When searching for an apartment online, you often come across advertisements with a reduced price and an advance payment requirement. Scheme: “I’m abroad now, send a deposit, you’ll receive the keys upon arrival.” The apartment exists, but you will not receive the keys.

How to protect yourself: only personal inspection or video communication with the owner in real time. Payment after signing the contract. Verification of the title deed (visura catastale) through the cadastral registry Agenzia delle Entrate.

Tax and bureaucratic schemes. Fake notices of fines or taxes requiring urgent payment are sent by mail or email. Always check through the official Agenzia delle Entrate website.

SIM fraud. Attempts to issue a SIM card for your documents without your knowledge. If you lose documents, immediately block them via commissariato.

Cost of insurance and safe housing

The practical aspect of safety is the cost of insurance and housing in safe areas.

The cost of living in the north is higher, but incomes are higher and the quality of infrastructure is better. The choice between Milan and Naples is not only a matter of safety, but also of life philosophy.

For families moving under the investment residence permit program, the north of the country remains a priority: Milan, Verona, Bologna, Florence. More details about the program are on the page Investor residence permit in Italy.

Living conditions: what is important to know before moving

Those moving to Italy most often note the following. The first months are the most difficult. The bureaucracy is slow: obtaining a residence permit, opening a bank account, and registering at the place of residence take time. But this is not a security threat - it is an administrative reality.

After settling in, life becomes much calmer. Italians are open and friendly people. Crime against local residents leading ordinary lives is low even by European standards.

Practical tips for living safely in Italy:

• Choose housing in areas with a good reputation - take the time to study a map of the area before signing a contract
• Don't carry large amounts of cash in tourist areas
• Use an inside pocket or a fanny pack on the Rome metro and buses
• Rent housing only through trusted platforms (Idealista, Immobiliare.it) or through a licensed agency
• Insure your property - insurance is inexpensive and provides real protection
• Learn Italian at least at a basic level - it makes it easier to interact with all services
• Register with your country's consulate in Italy

The Italian investment residence permit program allows you to legally move with your family. Details - on the page Investor residence permit in Italy.

Italy vs Russia: safety comparison

For anyone moving to Italy, it is important to understand how the country differs from what you are used to.

By many measures, Italy is safer. Especially in terms of violent crime rates and political stability. The main difference for visitors is the unusual Italian bureaucracy and the language barrier. But this is not a security issue.

Taxes and legal status: the connection with security

Illegal residence in Italy is a separate risk. Without a valid residence permit (permesso di soggiorno), you are vulnerable: you cannot open an account, officially rent a home, or receive medical care through insurance.

The Italian tax system is complex but transparent. For wealthy people moving there is a flat tax regime: a flat tax of 300,000 euros/year on foreign income (from 2026). This is a legal tax planning tool.

Resident status protects you legally and makes it easier to interact with all services - including the police if necessary. Contacting the police without documents is much more difficult.

An investment residence permit is one of the most reliable paths to legal status. More details: investor residence permit program in Italy. More about life in the country - in the article about the cost of living in Italy and on the BRIDGES GLOBAL home page.

For in-depth statistics, use open sources: Numbeo Crime Index Italy.