Rome Implements Enhanced Security Measures Around Colosseum as Violence, ‘Predatory’ Crimes Spike

Amid a surge of incidents of violent and “predatory” crime at one of the historical sites most associated with death and violence, Rome’s Colosseum, the city is implementing enhanced security measures to protect tourists and residents. For a four-month period lasting until December 24, Italy is imposing a “red zone” designation for the area, which will lead to enhanced police presence at the tourist attraction and give law enforcement more power to remove certain individuals. “For 4 months, individuals deemed dangerous and with prior records, who may pose a risk to public safety, will be removed,” Italy’s minister of the interior, Matteo Piantedosi, wrote on X. The local ordinance, which extends several other pre-existing areas considered deemed “enhanced” security zones, calls for the removal of individuals “who engage in violent, threatening, or persistently harassing behavior such as to compromise the free use of public spaces and create a concrete danger to safety in the areas of the City of Rome Capital.” The decision followed complaints by trade associations, citizens’ committees, and individual residents, expressed fear about their security and a lack of full usability of public spaces.“A measure that, together with the intensification of checks carried out by our law enforcement agencies, will allow for even more effective countermeasures against episodes of drug dealing, predatory crimes, and juvenile delinquency, to protect citizens and visitors,” Mr. Piantedosi wrote. The decision came after reports of a July clash between a group of roughly 50 young men and police officers. During the altercation, agitators set off fireworks, damaging a police car and injuring multiple officers. The prefect — or chief magistrate — of Rome, Lamberto Giannini, attributed the rising crime “predominantly” to young second-generation immigrants and linked the rise in “predatory” crimes to the opening of a new metro station in December 2025. He said that the new stop has made it easier for young individuals to travel to the city and rob or assault tourists.The top tourist attraction by visitors annually, the Colosseum is well known as a place for incidents of theft and scams. Protected by the military — as are all of the country’s high-profile tourist attractions — it has checkpoints and guards all around the perimeter. The heightened security measures will include a 24-hour police presence and increased consultation between local and regional jurisdictions.Enhanced security measures are also in place at Rome’s main train station, St. Peter’s Basilica, and the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, situated atop Esquiline Hill.

Rome Implements Enhanced Security Measures Around Colosseum as Violence, ‘Predatory’ Crimes Spike

Rome Implements Enhanced Security Measures Around Colosseum as Violence, ‘Predatory’ Crimes Spike

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