Rome officials declare the area around the Colosseum a red zone to combat rising crime and improve tourist safety.

Rome officials have declared the area surrounding the Colosseum a "red zone" to address a rise in petty crime, drug dealing, and violent disturbances. The new security measure, which began in late August and will remain in place until December 24, grants local police and military forces greater powers to arrest suspected troublemakers or order them to leave the area. This decision follows a period of increased crime in the historic district, including frequent pickpocketing and a specific incident in July where a group of about 50 young people clashed with police officers while setting off fireworks. Officials noted that while millions of dollars have been invested in infrastructure, such as a new metro station, these improvements have also contributed to the conduit for marginalized youth to enter the historical center. The red zone is part of a broader security plan being implemented across the city center. Similar anti-crime zones have already been established around the termini railway station and the Esquilino district.

Sources

• CNN
  Rome declares a security ‘red zone’ around the Colosseum to protect tourists amid violent crime incidents
• nysun.com
  Rome Implements Enhanced Security Measures Around Colosseum as Violence, ‘Predatory’ Crimes Spike
• SOFX
  Rome Puts the Colosseum Inside a Security "Red Zone" Until Christmas
• Yahoo
  Rome beefs up security near Colosseum to reduce street crime

---

Paywall and unreadable sources

• CTV News
  Rome declares security ‘red zone’ around the Colosseum to protect tourists amid violent crime incidents