Lamberto Giannini declares a red zone around Rome's Colosseum to combat rising crime and drug dealing

Lamberto Giannini, the prefect in charge of security in Rome, has declared the area surrounding the Colosseum a "red zone" to address a spike in crime. The ordinance, implemented in late August, will remain in effect until December 24. This measure was prompted by an influx of crime, including predatory crimes and drug dealing, which officials attribute to urban decay and the new Roma Colosseo metro station. The red zone provides local police and military forces with greater powers to arrest suspected troublemakers or order them to leave the area. The area includes the city's main Termini train station, St. Peter's Basilica, and the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. Security measures were intensified after a group of approximately 40 to 50 young people injured police officers by firing fireworks at them in July. Giannini noted that the crimes have been carried out predominantly by groups of young individuals of non-EU origin. He also noted that the new metro station, which and museum, opened in December. Despite the presence of-armed military vehicles and camouflage-clad officers, petty crimes like pickpocketing continue to occur.

Sources

• New York Post
  Rome declares ‘red zone’ around the Colosseum, adding extra security to fight criminals
• 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
• pragmatika.media
  Rome declares Colosseum area a "red zone" due to rising crime