2020 OSAC Crime & Safety Report:

This is an annual report produced in conjunction with the Regional Security Office at the U.S. Consulate General in Milan. OSAC encourages travelers to use this report to gain baseline knowledge of security conditions in northern Italy. For more in-depth information, review OSAC’s Italy country 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.

Travel Advisory

The current U.S. Department of State at the date of this report’s publication advises reconsidering travel to Italy due to a recent outbreak of COVID-19. However, the Travel Advisory in effect prior to the outbreak assessed Italy at Level 2, indicating travelers should exercise increased caution in Italy due to terrorism. Do not travel to and Veneto due to the level of community transmission of the virus and imposition of local quarantine procedures. Review OSAC’s report, Understanding the Consular Travel Advisory System.

Overall Crime and Safety Situation

The U.S. Department of State has assessed Milan as being a MEDIUM-threat location for crime directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests. Italy receives large numbers of tourists annually from the United States. There is also a sizeable expatriate presence of U.S. private-sector interests within the country. U.S. visitors are generally safe in Milan and are not specific targets based on nationality; however, criminals do often target foreigners for petty theft and crimes of opportunity such as pickpocketing, bag snatching, and thefts from parked vehicles. Walking alone, going out late at night, or being out while under the influence of alcohol or drugs all increase the targeting risk.

TYPE Milan 2017 Milan 2018 Variation

Murder 20 15 -25%

Burglary (all forms) 15,386 13,991 -9.06%

Property Crime 27,005 24,648 -8.73%

Sexual Offences 585 574 -1.90%

Criminal Damage 26,974 28,118 +4.20%

Drug Offences (Sale & Supply) 2,689 2,786 +3.60%

Drug Operations (2019 Jan-Oct data) 2,381 (2,431 in 2019) +2.10%

Cybercrime 14,977 18,021 +20.30%

Note: The crime data reflects 2017-2018 statistics. Authorities had not yet released 2019 crime statistics for Milan at the time of the publication of this report.

Violent crimes are infrequent, but they do occur. Over the past three years, the Questura has focused resources primarily on violence associated with organized criminal groups, particularly those trafficking drugs. Most major drug-related investigations and arrests have occurred outside of the city-center areas.

Petty crimes and crimes of opportunity continue to be problematic in certain tourist areas in Milan. Milan has organized and sophisticated networks of pickpockets frequenting tourist attractions/sites, , 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 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. Review OSAC’s reports, All That You Should Leave Behind.

Milan and northern Italian cities have 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.

Although the following areas within Milan maintain a well-patrolled security (police and military), the aforementioned crimes have occurred in areas such as:

• Cathedral • Milano Railway Stations (, Garibaldi, , Cadorna) • Football Stadium, • Milan Airports (Linate and Malpensa) • Navigli Area • Large Shopping Areas (such as Via Torino or ) • Public transportation (trams, trains, and buses)

Organized criminal groups such as the Camorra, ‘Ndrangheta, Cosa Nostra Sacra Corona Unita, and non- Italian organized criminal groups are active throughout all of Italy. Italy also has some active organized crime elements from the following locations:

• Southeast Europe (Macedonia, Albania, and Kosovo): cocaine trafficking, laundering money, migrant trafficking, extortion, and property crimes; • Russia and Eastern Europe (Romania, Bulgaria): money laundering, break-ins, and thefts; • China: extortion, migrant trafficking, blackmail, credit cards, drugs, arms, prostitution, and illegal gambling; and • West and North Africa: false documents, cocaine trafficking, and fraud.

Cybersecurity Issues

Cybercrime is a growing concern for Italian authorities. According to authorities, credit card fraud, ATM skimming, and identity hacking account for 75% of all financial crime in the city. The U.S. Secret Service in Rome is assisting Italian law enforcement authorities in investigating an increase in the appearance of

ATM skimming devices. Use ATMs located in well-lighted public areas or secured inside a bank/business. Cover the keypad with one hand as you enter your PIN. Look for gaps, tampered appearance, or other irregularities between the metal faceplate of the ATM and the card reader. Avoid card readers that are not flush with the face of the ATM. Closely monitor your account statements for unauthorized transactions. Review OSAC’s reports, The Overseas Traveler’s Guide to ATM Skimmers & Fraud and Taking Credit.

Internet romance and financial scams are prevalent in Italy. Scams are often initiated through Internet postings/profiles or by unsolicited emails and letters. Scammers almost always pose as U.S. citizens who have no one else to turn to for help. Common scams include Romance/Online dating; Money transfers; Lucrative sales; Contracts with promises of large commissions; Grandparent/Relative targeting; Free Trip/Luggage; Lotteries; Inheritance notices; and Work permits/job offers. Use common sense, avoid deals that are “too good to be true,” and never give money to someone you do not know.

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 worldwide. Review OSAC’s reports, Cybersecurity Basics, Best Practices for Maximizing Security on Public Wi-Fi, and Traveling with Mobile Devices: Trends & Best Practices.

Transportation-Safety Situation

Road safety and Road Conditions

Italy’s main roads and highways are generally well illuminated and well maintained. Although a section of the Morandi Bridge collapsed in 2018 and a small portion of the highway between Torino and Savona experienced some failure, the regulatory oversight agencies and repair schedule are comparable to standards in the United States. Generally, there are no significant dangers for drivers. Many smaller towns connect via smaller roads, which are frequently winding and not lighted. Cell phone usage during driving is illegal; you must have a hands-free system. Passengers younger than 24 months of age must be in a child’s seat equipped with an alarm. All drivers should have reflective clothing in case of emergency or breakdown. Driving under the influence of alcohol is illegal; motorists can face hefty fines if found intoxicated. In Italy, the legal intoxication limit is 0.5 gram per liter. Generally, that limit corresponds to a glass of wine or one standard can of beer, but this can vary depending on the person’s body composition.

Drivers frequently pass on superhighways (autostrada) at very high speeds. Rural roads are generally narrow, often have no guardrails, and inconsistent speed limits. Seat belt use is compulsory. You must use headlights year-round, and at all times, outside of urban areas. During the autumn/winter months, you must have either winter tires or carry snow chains if driving outside urban areas. Be careful when crossing streets, even when using a marked crosswalk with a green walk light illuminated.

Police traffic control checkpoints are common; police can pull you over without probable cause. If this happens, do not be alarmed or assume you have done something wrong, simply cooperate and present them with your driver’s license. If police stop you, under certain conditions you may pay the police officer issuing the ticket immediately. Be prepared to pay in cash in local currency. Local police can confiscate your car if you cannot pay the fine. Police impose fines for those driving without the proper permits in historic downtown areas of cities and towns throughout Italy. Cameras photograph the license plates of cars illegally driving in parts of the city that require a permit. Authorities forward the fines imposed for these violations to the driver’s home in the United States to request payment. For definitive legal guidance or to contest a fine, consult a lawyer licensed to practice in Italy.

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. Review OSAC’s reports, Road Safety Abroad, Driving Overseas: Best Practices, and Evasive Driving Techniques; and read the State Department’s webpage on driving and road safety abroad.

Individuals involved in a traffic accident should take the following suggested 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 you do not clearly understand or that do not conform to your grasp of the factors surrounding the accident.

• Car Accident without Injuries and No Agreement on the Facts Relating to the Accident

Call 112. If vehicles are blocking traffic, Italian law requires you move the vehicles if possible. Before moving your vehicle, document the position of the vehicle by any means possible. Extensive photographs can help, but do not consider this 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 actual witnesses 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

Consider the above paragraph first. 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

Milan has a good record of public transportation safety and operations. Almost every part of Italy is accessible by some form of public transportation. Within Milan, unaccompanied young children can be a common occurrence. Taxi service within Milan is safe and regulated by the government.

Review OSAC’s Report, Security in Transit: Airplanes, Public Transport, and Overnights.

Aviation/Airport Conditions

Several major U.S. airlines and dozens of major world airlines service the Milan-Malpensa (MXP) and Marco Polo (VCE) airports. Foreign travelers also frequent the Milan-Linate (LIN) and Milan- Bergamo-Orio al Serio (BGY, aka Il Caravaggio) airports. Airport security procedures are like those found throughout Western Europe, and meet U.S. aviation security screening and logistic standards. Contract security and various local and national police agencies are responsible for security at each of the airports. Modern equipment helps with passenger, document, and cargo screening. General labor strikes occur throughout Italy, occasionally affecting Milan and surrounding airport operations.

Terrorism Threat

The U.S. Department of State has assessed Milan as being a MEDIUM-threat location for terrorism directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests. Extremists, ISIS, al-Qa’ida, affiliated organizations, and other terrorist groups continue to maintain an active presence in Italy. Authorities believe that rather than target Milan directly, these groups use Milan’s proximity to other western European nations and the Schengen transit agreements to plan, fund, and provide operational support to their activity elsewhere in Europe. In 2019, authorities made several terrorism-related arrests and deportations, or related offenses to counter the difficult task of stemming trans-border movement of materials, money, and persons.

Terrorist groups and those inspired by such organizations are intent on attacking U.S. citizens abroad. Terrorists are increasingly using less sophisticated methods of attack – including knives, firearms, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and vehicles – to target crowds more effectively.

Political, Economic, Religious, and Ethnic Violence

The U.S. Department of State has assessed Milan as being a LOW-threat location for political violence directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests. U.S. nationals are rarely the target of civil unrest in Milan. Milan regularly experiences demonstrations, occasionally as a response to U.S. policies. Political activism in Italy is generally very vigorous and effective. Events can range from peaceful sit-ins to extreme violence. The last major protest that resulted in significant property damage was in 2015. In the past, protesters have targeted government institutions, industrial sites perceived as symbols of capitalism, and offices of political parties. Since 2015, police approve all demonstrations and will remove impromptu events. Most demonstrations take place within the Milan city center. Review OSAC’s report, Surviving a Protest.

Politically motivated violence in Italy most often involves Italian internal developments or social issues. Italian authorities and foreign diplomatic facilities have found bombs outside public buildings, have received bomb threats, and have been targets of letter bombs, firebombs, and Molotov cocktails in the past several years. These attacks generally occur at night, and have not targeted or injured U.S. citizens.

Anti-U.S./Anti-Western Sentiment

Milan does have various groups that answer the call for self-radicalization, which are disseminated on various forums and social media outlets. In 2019, the U.S. Consulate General in Milan did encounter a few demonstrations, although none of these protests were violent or disruptive to Consulate operations and nearly all of them were announced well in advance. Demonstrations occur frequently and can be anti-U.S. in nature, especially in areas hosting U.S. military bases.

Post-specific Concerns

Environmental Hazards

Localized flooding may occur during heavy rains. The Italian government has started awareness campaigns as well as maps and resources, which are available online. In 2019, Venice suffered significant flooding, which caused at least two deaths and major infrastructural damage.

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.

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 Italian government’s website may be especially useful for determining levels of risk for personnel working or living in Italy.

Economic Espionage/Intellectual Property Theft

The economic strength in Milan and northern Italy, combined with longstanding influence in industries such as banking, advanced manufacturing, port services, fashion, and various design industries, may increase the risk of corporate espionage. U.S. companies are concerned with the application of digital technologies, the Internet of Things, and their application for data control and privacy, as well as its impact on technology safeguards. This concern is amplified with the increase in Chinese investment and the implied lack of data privacy, intellectual property rights, and security controls.

Personal Identity Concerns

Students are often targets of theft or sexual assault. Review the State Department’s webpage on security for female travelers.

There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGBTI events in Italy. Same sex civil unions are legally recognized in Italy. Review the State Department’s webpage on security for LGBTI+ travelers.

Narrow, streets with cobbled stones are pervasive in Italy. Many sidewalks lack ramps, and some streets lack sidewalks altogether or, as in Venice, feature stairs and narrow pedestrian bridges. Many hotels, attractions and means of public transportation do not have ramps, elevators, or accessible bathrooms. Train stations in Italy have accommodations for wheelchair riders; with advanced notice, those with a disability can receive assistance when transiting through a station. Hand-controlled rental cars are available in Italy from major car rental companies; contact the car rental company well in advance of your trip to reserve the vehicle. Guide dog owners must present the documentation required by Member States in order to enter Italy with a dog. Review the State Department’s webpage on security for travelers with disabilities.

Drug-related Crime

Travelers have reported incidents in which criminals used drugs to assault or rob them.

Kidnapping Threat

Do not discount the threat of being kidnapped. Review OSAC’s report, Kidnapping: The Basics.

Police Response

The line for emergencies and in Italy is 112. The police line is 113, and the fire emergency line is 115. 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.

The (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.

The Milan Questura is the primary law enforcement and security organization in Milan. It presides over its responsibilities in conjunction with the Ministry of the Interior’s local/city representative, the Prefetto. The Questura’s duties include serving as the lead representative and agency for Milan’s law enforcement coordination, daily policing operations, criminal law, incident response, and internal security. Other agencies, such as Polizia di Stato, Arma di Carabinieri, , Polizia Penitenziaria and all other local police agencies within Milan support these efforts.

Italy has 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 to deter both crime and terrorist attacks. Today, it is common to see police and military patrolling areas throughout the city, especially at popular landmarks.

Thieves sometimes impersonate police officers. If a plainclothes police officer stops you, ask for a uniformed officer or insist on seeing an officer's identification card (documento). Do not hand over your wallet. Immediately report the incident to the actual police at a police station or by dialing 112 from a local phone. Download the State Department’s Crime Victims Assistance brochure.

Medical Emergencies

The emergency line for ambulances (First Aid only) is 118. Adequate health facilities and ambulance services are widely available, but training and availability of emergency responders may be below U.S. standards, and facilities may be limited outside urban areas. Medical staff may speak little or no English. Generally, in public hospitals only minimal staff is available overnight in non-emergency wards.

Public hospitals, though generally free of charge for emergency services, may not maintain the same standards as hospitals in the United States. Private hospitals usually require advance payment or proof of adequate insurance before admitting a patient. Travelers should make efforts to obtain complete information on billing, pricing, and proposed medical procedures before agreeing to any medical care. In most cases, patients bear costs for transfer to or between hospitals. Find contact information for available medical services and available air ambulance services on the U.S. Embassy website.

The Italian Health Ministry sets rules defining importation of prescriptions and medications into Italy. However, the Health Ministry website does not have information in English. According to the Health Ministry, foreigners entering Italy may bring personal medications for a period of 30 days, but should also bring a copy of their prescription with them. Travelers should not bring excess supplies of prescription drugs into the country, and cannot bring prescription drugs for other people. Italian Customs laws strictly regulate the importation of medications into Italy by courier services or by mail. Italian customs clears all incoming shipments of medications -- even small amounts for personal use -- and will allow them to clear customs only upon presentation from the receiving party of a statement signed by a physician licensed in Italy, certifying that the medication is essential for the patient; that he/she would be put in a life- threatening situation without it; and that there is no substitute or equivalent medication available on the Italian market. Delays in the release of medications by Italian Customs received by mail or by courier services are common. Review OSAC’s report, Traveling with Medication.

In parts of Italy, the lack of adequate trash disposal and incineration sites has led to periodic accumulations of garbage in urban and rural areas. In some cases, residents have burned garbage, resulting in toxic emissions that can aggravate respiratory problems.

The U.S. Department of State strongly recommends purchasing international health insurance before traveling internationally. Review the State Departments webpage on insurance overseas. 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 for more information or to join.

U.S. Consulate General Contact Information

Via Principe Amedeo, 2/10, 20121 Milan Regular hours: 0830 – 1730, Monday-Friday Consulate Operator: (+39) 02-2903-51; Marine Post One: (+39) 02-2903-5255; Regional Security Office: (+39) 02-29035 293 Website: https://it.usembassy.gov/embassy-consulates/milan/

Other U.S. Diplomatic Posts In Italy

• Embassy Rome, Via Veneto 119/A, 00187 Rome. (+39) 06-4674-2112 • Consulate Florence, Lungarno Vespucci, 38, 50123 Firenze. (+39) 055 266 951 • Consulate Naples, Piazza della Repubblica, 80122 Napoli. (+39) 081 583 8111 • Virtual Presence Post San Marino

Helpful Information

Before you travel, consider the following resources:

• OSAC Risk Matrix • OSAC Travelers Toolkit • State Department Traveler’s Checklist • Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)