Naples authorities intensify security following crime surge

Authorities in Naples are intensifying security measures following a surge in crime and a recent sexual assault in the Centro Direzionale district. Prefect Michele di Bari has suggested the possibility of establishing a ‘red zone’ to address urban decay and violence, noting that while the perpetrator of a recent assault was arrested, preventative measures must be strengthened.

Proposed solutions include implementing a 2022 security protocol involving increased surveillance through private security guards and sentinels, particularly after business hours. The Prefect emphasized that addressing social distress and urban degradation is essential to long-term stability.

In a related effort to combat organized crime and local gangs, law enforcement agencies—including the State Police, Carabinieri, and Guardia di Finanza—conducted a massive crackdown during July and August. This operation resulted in the seizure of 324 weapons and munitions across the Naples metropolitan area, successfully disrupting supply chains used by criminal organizations and street gangs.