Florence’s Loitering Ban to Improve Safety
An official loitering ban has recently been introduced in Cascine Park, the Fortezza da Basso, Via Palazzuolo, and the Santa Maria Novella station up to the area of Via Finiguerra. The ordinance, with specific regulations concerning potential criminal activity in Florence, will remain in effect for six months. This is the result of the meeting of the Minister of the Interior, Matteo Piantedosi with Mayor Sara Funaro and Prefect Francesca Ferrandino on September 30 in Florence.
The ban applies to individuals in the areas mentioned above who wander around at night without a specific purpose. It targets people who may be a threat in public places, specifically those who display aggressive or threatening behavior. Police forces, upon witnessing such behavior, will ask for a first and last name, as well as an ID card. In the case of individuals with a criminal record (including drug dealing, purse-snatching, robbery, damage, invasion of land or buildings, and unlawful possession of weapons), they need to leave immediately and are likely to be thoroughly investigated by the authorities.
A three-year plan, focused on significantly improving Florence’s security, is set to start in November. It also concerns hiring more municipal police officers, just like those who will be added to the patrols at Cascine Park on November 4. Additionally, new technology will be introduced, as the authorities have decided to invest not only in 20 new cameras but also in artificial intelligence; software that will provide better images in the dark or the rain. The police purchased three portable interrogation kits, which enable audio and video recordings during questioning, even in places that aren’t specially equipped.
These measures were are the result of reports indicating a rise in crime in the city. According to the Crime Index 2024 report from Il Sole 24 Ore, the Tuscan capital ranks third among the most crime-ridden cities in Italy (just after Milan and Rome). The increase in the number of assaults, robberies, residential burglaries, and drug trafficking has alarmed not only the residents but also the authorities of Florence. Particularly shocking to the local community was the attack on a 91-year-old man who was stabbed during a robbery. The man was taken to the hospital and fell into a coma, but fortunately, he has since regained consciousness.
All of this prompted the authorities to take decisive action aimed at improving safety levels in the city. Particular attention has been given to Cascine Park and Santa Maria Novella station, as they are considered the most potentially dangerous areas for residents, due to numerous reports of drug dealing and muggings of passersby.
In response, other actions have already been taken. The number of Carabinieri police patrolling the streets has been increased, and it has been assured that the same will happen with the state police officers. Additionally, Mayor Sara Funaro has decided to sign a city ordinance requiring minimarkets selling alcohol to close every day at 9 pm on Via Maso Finiguerra, Via Palazzuolo, Via dell’Agnolo, Piazza di San Jacopino and Via di San Jacopino, Via Nazionale, Via Benedetto Marcello, Via di Maragliano, Via del Ponte alle Mosse, Via Guelfa, Via Panicale, Via Chiara, Via Rocca Tedalda, Via dei Vanni, Via Canova, Via di Villa Demidoff, Via delle Panche, Via Caccini, and Piazza IV Novembre. (Paulina Juzak)
