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 foreign fighters and terrorists.

Italy also faces several indigenous terrorist groups and radical elements, primarily consisting of left-wing extremist and or anarchist movements. Government institutions and diplomatic facilities have received bomb threats and actual explosive devices. Buildings/offices have been the target of firebombs or Molotov cocktails, although generally at night; such incidents are rare and instigated by organized crime or anarchist movements.

Multinational corporations often factor into the rhetoric of anti-globalization and animal rights groups. These groups are well organized and have galvanized participants throughout Europe.

Anti-U.S. Sentiment

Most Italians appear to have a positive view of the United States. Anti-U.S. rhetoric comes from small groups opposing specific politicians and political policies.

4 Political, Economic, Religious, and Ethnic Violence

Civil Unrest

There is minimal risk from civil unrest in Milan and Florence. Anti-globalization factions have organized protests that have turned violent. Law enforcement has expressed the potential for these groups to use demonstrations to target U.S. government facilities and businesses. In Milan, the areas of the Duomo, Piazza Castello, and Via Turati in the general direction of Piazza Repubblica have been protest venues. Torino is also very active for anti-establishment groups. These protests can attract thousands of people. Protestors must petition the local government for approval of protest sites, routes, and numbers of participants, so law enforcement agencies generally are aware of the situation ahead of time and maintain order when policing events.

Political activism in Italy is generally very vigorous and effective. Many of the events can range from peaceful sit-ins to extreme violence. In the past, protestors have targeted government institutions, industrial sites perceived as symbols of capitalism, and offices of political parties. In 2018, a U.S. private-sector research facility in Cremona province, Lombardy experienced extensive damage from a bombing and subsequent fire. Police determined that local anarchists were to blame. Anarchist activists claimed responsibility for bombing the local offices of Lega Nord, a far-right political group, in Treviso province.

Religious/Ethnic Violence

Some incidents of ethnic and religious violence have occurred. Regular incidents of harassment against refugees and immigrants from the Middle East and Africa. Recent national policies and overall sentiment regarding asylum seekers/refugees have become less tolerant.

Post-specific Concerns

Environmental Hazards

Italy is prone to earthquakes and regular seismic events; Milan and most of northern Italy are outside of the main earthquake zones, but the north does experience strong tremors. Authorities have well-developed plans to handle seismic events.

Localized flooding may occur during heavy rains. The Italian government has begun awareness campaigns and some maps and resources are available online.

General information about disaster preparedness is available online from the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The “Io non rischio” campaign by Italy’s Department of Civil Protection has information on how to avoid risks including floods, earthquakes, and tsunamis, and has information in English. The interactive maps for each category may be especially useful for determining levels of risk for personnel working or living in Italy.

5 Economic Concerns

Economic Espionage/Intellectual Property Thefts

The economic strength in Milan and northern Italy, combined with longstanding influence in industries such as banking, manufacturing, fashion, and design may increase the risk of corporate espionage to steal trade secrets or gain a competitive advantage.

Avoid street vendors selling knock-off designer products. Travelers who purchase counterfeit items may face a fine of up to several thousand Euros. Police are taking an increasingly aggressive posture against street vendors and their patrons.

Police Response

Police response and services are generally good. Since at least the early 1900s, Italy has had a higher level of police presence than most countries. In 2008, Operazione Strade Sicure began adding military patrols throughout major cities to supplement civilian police patrols and deter both crime and terrorist attack. Today, it is common to see police and military patrolling areas throughout the city, especially at popular landmarks.

How to Handle Incidents of Police Detention or Harassment

Detained or arrested U.S. travelers should contact Consulate General Milan at (39) 02-2903-51.

Crime Victim Assistance

In the Lombardy region around Milan, the official Where ARE U cellular phone application can call for help more rapidly than a phone line, and send GPS coordinates to the dispatcher.

In the event of a theft, mishap, harassment, etc. please refer to the following:

Main Emergency Number: 112 Military Police (Carabinieri) 112 Police (Polizia di Stato): 113 Fire Department (Vigili del Fuoco): 115

Police/Security Agencies

The Polizia di Stato (state police), Polizia Locale, and the Carabinieri (military police with nationwide law enforcement powers and jurisdiction) are well trained and equipped. These three police groups offer the full range of police services.

For local first responders, refer to the Embassy’s Emergency Assistance page.

6 Medical Emergencies

Main Emergency Number: 112 Ambulance (First Aid only): 118

Medical facilities are available but may be limited outside urban areas. Public hospitals, though generally free of charge for emergency services, may not maintain the same standards as hospitals in the United States.

Contact Information for Available Medical Services

For medical assistance, refer to the Embassy’s Medical Assistance page.

Country-specific Vaccination and Health Guidance

The CDC offers additional information on vaccines and health guidance for Italy.

OSAC Country Council Information

Milan has an active Country Council. Contact OSAC’s Europe team if you are interested in private-sector engagement in Milan or have questions about OSAC’s Country Council programs.

U.S. Embassy Location and Contact Information

Consulate Address and Hours of Operation

Consulate General Milan, Via Principe Amedeo, 2/10, 20121 Milan Regular business hours: 0830–1730

Consulate Contact Numbers

Milan Regional Security Office: (39) 02-29035 293 Consulate Operator: (39) 02-2903-51 Marine Post One: (39) 02-2903-5255

Website: https://it.usembassy.gov/embassy-consulates/milan/

Nearby Posts: Embassy Rome, Consulate Florence, Consulate Naples, Virtual Presence Post San Marino

Consulate General Guidance

U.S. citizens traveling to Italy should register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to ensure they receive pertinent security updates and notices.

Italy Country Information Sheet

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