Italian towns boost security patrols and fines during summer

In the coastal town of Melendugno in the province of Lecce, an inter‑force operation on 4 August involved the State Police, Carabinieri, Navy, Guardia di Finanza, provincial police and local authorities. The joint effort targeted illegal beach camps, drug trafficking, irregular immigration and tax violations. Officials seized 14 sun‑beds and four umbrellas and issued fines to a 58‑year‑old resident of Melendugno and a 24‑year‑old from Lizzanello for occupying demarcated maritime areas without a concession and for fiscal irregularities.

In the inland city of Potenza, Prefect Michele Campanaro convened the provincial security committee to review recent crime trends. Data showed a continued decline in overall offences, with an 18.98 % drop in the first half of 2026 compared to the same period in 2025. The coordinated deployment of 1,241 patrols and 2,482 officers identified 4,753 individuals, led to 37 arrests and 139 judicial referrals, reinforcing the city’s strategy of heightened surveillance and public‑order measures.