Italy 2019 Crime & Safety Report: Milan This is an annual report produced in conjunction with the Regional Security Office at the U.S. Consulate General in Milan, Italy. The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication assesses Italy at Level 2, indicating travelers should exercise increased caution due to terrorism. Overall Crime and Safety Situation The U.S. Consulate General in Milan does not assume responsibility for the professional ability or integrity of the persons or firms appearing in this report. The American Citizens’ Services unit (ACS) cannot recommend a particular individual or location and assumes no responsibility for the quality of service provided. Review OSAC’s Italy-specific page for original OSAC reporting, consular messages, and contact information, some of which may be available only to private-sector representatives with an OSAC password. Crime Threats There is minimal risk from crime in Milan and Florence. U.S. visitors are generally safe in Italy and are not specifically targeted based on nationality; however, criminals do often target foreigners for petty theft such as pickpocketing, bag snatching, and thefts from parked vehicles. Passport theft is of particular concern. Milan and northern Italy have organized, sophisticated networks of pickpockets frequenting tourist attractions/sites, buses, and trains. Pickpockets may work in groups of two or three, and employ creative means to steal valuables such as wallets or cellular phones from tourists. Public transportation, including bus and train stations, serves as a favorite venue for pickpocket rings. Buses and trains tend to be very crowded; most victims report that they only realize that their belongings are gone upon exiting the bus/train. In 2018, Italian law enforcement made efforts to disrupt trafficking of drugs, weapons, and persons across Northern Italy to other areas within the EU. Italian authorities have increased interdiction operations at various seaports and vehicular border control points. Milan, Venice, and Florence are the cities with the highest number of visitors in Italy. Hotels and home shares are widely available and relatively safe, but thefts occur occasionally. Always keep belongings in a safe place. Fraudulent currency—particularly the €20 denomination—is in circulation; check all cash for authenticity. Vehicle break-ins occur, especially with on-street parking. Perpetrators often take electronics and other valuables from cars. 1 Organized criminal groups such as the Camorra, ‘Ndrangheta, Cosa Nostra, and Sacra Corona Unita operate within Italy. Non-Italian organized criminal groups are also active. They often focus on businesses and lucrative contracts; individual travelers may not readily notice their influence. Before signing a contract, perform due diligence to ensure potential business partners free of affiliations with criminal organizations or fraudulent practices. While violent street crime is rare, take care to avoid incidents. Walking alone, going out late at night, or being out while under the influence of alcohol or drugs all increase the risk targeting. Other Areas of Concern Some immigrants and refugees frequent or live in public parks. Some sell trinkets and other items, often illegally. Use ATMs attached to or inside a physical bank, as opposed to stand-alone machines. For more information, review OSAC’s Report, The Overseas Traveler’s Guide to ATM Skimmers & Fraud. Cybersecurity Issues Protect sensitive computer-based programs and operations. It is not uncommon for private corporations or government agencies to fall victim to hackers or other cyber-related attacks regardless of their location. Transportation-Safety Situation For more information, review OSAC’s Report, Security in Transit: Airplanes, Public Transport, and Overnights. Road Safety and Road Conditions Driving in Milan may be difficult for those unfamiliar with the area and traffic laws. Mopeds and scooters are common, and drivers often disregard traffic laws. Road conditions in Milan are slightly better than in other major Italian cities. Abide by the speed limit, as cameras are active. Lock vehicles and do not leave items in view of potential criminals. Park cars in a garage or an illuminated area. For more information on self-driving, review OSAC’s Report Driving Overseas: Best Practices. Individuals involved in a traffic accident should take the following actions: Car Accident with Injuries Call 112 to inform the dispatcher of your location, details regarding injuries, and the accident. Wait for emergency services to arrive. They will provide care and transport of the injured, reestablish traffic flow, and complete an accident report form. Note the name and destination of any injured persons to be transported by ambulance from the scene. A police report will be helpful in this regard. Do not sign any documents that either are not clearly understood or do not conform to your grasp of the factors surrounding the accident. 2 Car Accident without Injuries and No Agreement on the Facts Relating to the Accident Call 112. If vehicles are blocking traffic, Italian law requires the vehicles to be moved if possible. Before moving your vehicle, document the position of the vehicle by any means possible. Extensive photographs can help but should not be considered the sole source of evidence. Search for skid marks, broken glass, debris, or any other evidence that may help in determining the facts of the accident. Take photographs of all damage to both vehicles and pay particular attention to any pre-existing damage. Try to establish a third- party witness; even if this person is another motorist who cannot wait for the police to arrive, obtain names and phone numbers of an actual witness who the police can contact. Witness fabrication is not uncommon. There have been reported cases of family members who were not actually present acting as witnesses to accident scenes. In incidents without injury, the police will not issue a police report. The expectation is that the parties will exchange insurance information and the insurance agencies will assign fault. Car Accident without Injuries and Agreement on the Facts Relating to the Accident If vehicles are blocking traffic, Italian law requires the vehicles to be moved if possible. Before moving your vehicle, document the position of the vehicle. Mark the four corners of the involved vehicles on the ground via any means possible. Extensive photographs can help, but do not consider these the sole source of evidence. Search for skid marks, broken glass, debris, or any other evidence that may help in determining the facts relating to the accident. Take photographs of all damage to both vehicles and pay particular attention to any pre-existing damage. Wait for the police to arrive and document the incident. Complete the Constatazione Amichevole di Incidente Automobilistico (CAIA Agreed Statement of Facts on Motor Vehicle Accident). Give a copy to each party. Do not sign the completed form if there is disagreement regarding the version/sequence of events represented. Contact your insurance company; obtain guidance on how to send them the CAIA and inquire about further steps regarding damages/related expenses. Public Transportation Conditions Public transportation in northern Italy (e.g. trains, Metro, trams, and buses) is excellent. Authorized taxis are white and metered. Only use licensed taxis or a reputable transportation service. Several cases of sabotage against rail lines were reported in late 2014. These crimes appear to have been the work of opponents of the proposed high-speed rail (TAV) from Torino to Lyon. While aimed at infrastructure instead of occupied trains, infrastructure damage has the potential to endanger passengers. Aviation/Airport Conditions Several major U.S. airlines and dozens of major world airlines service the Milan-Malpensa (MXP) and Venice Marco Polo (VCE) airports. Foreign travelers also frequent the Milan-Linate (LIN) and Milan-Bergamo-Orio al Serio (BGY, aka Il Caravaggio) airports. Airport safety is on par with other Western European countries. 3 Other Travel Conditions Remain alert for transit strikes, which occur once or twice per month, generally on Fridays. Terrorism Threat Local, Regional, and International Terrorism Threats/ Concerns There is moderate risk from terrorism in Milan, and minimal risk in Florence. ISIL, al-Qa’ida, affiliated organizations, and other terrorist groups continue to plan terrorist attacks against U.S. and Western interests in Europe. Authorities believe the likelihood of a terror attack in Europe has increased with European members of ISIS returning from Syria and Iraq. There is a continuing threat in Europe from unaffiliated persons planning attacks inspired by major terrorist organizations but conducted on an individual basis. European governments have taken action to guard against terrorist attacks, and some have made official declarations regarding heightened threat conditions. Recent attacks in Europe have sometimes focused on soft targets such as groups of civilians or private-sector facilities, rather than government personnel or facilities that may have higher levels of protection. Italy’s vulnerability to terrorism is exacerbated by its proximity to North Africa and the Middle East. Additionally, Italy has figured prominently in the rhetoric of groups such as ISIS, al-Qa’ida, and al- Shabaab. The Government of Italy has a robust counterterrorism program and actively monitors known or suspected