ITALY has declared a new “red zone” around the Colosseum after a major surge in crime reportedly committed by non-EU suspects, cops say.
The ancient gladiator ring has been plagued by “predatory crimes and drug dealing”, according to Italian newsoutlet ANSA.
4
4
Cops are now unleashing round the clock patrols in an urgent bid to crack down on the crimewave.
Attacks reached their peak on July 1 when a horde of around 50 youths swarmed into the ampitheatre and fired fireworks directly at police cars.
Two police officers were slightly injured at the scene, according to Rome Prefect Lamberto Giannini.
He added that the trespassers had thrown an illicit party inside the nearly 2000-year-old site, presenting a “risk of serious damage”.
READ MORE
TWISTER TERROR
Moment waterspout tornado slams into beach sending parasols flying into air
TOWER TERROR
Shock moment ancient Roman tower COLLAPSES in front of terrified tourists
Firing rockets at officers was just one of many dangerous exploits in the area – with police calling the crimewave a “serious public emergency”.
Suspected drug deals and predatory attacks have reportedly been perpetrated “by groups of young individuals of non-EU origin”, according to security chief Giannini.
He believes the recent opening of a new £6.1billion “Roma Colosseo” metro station – which connects the historic city centre to the eastern outskirts – has triggered the spike in attacks.
More “red zones” have also been imposed across Esquilino and San Lorenzo where cops must frequently manage street protests.
Most read in The Sun
BABY TRAGEDY
Three-month-old girl dies while ‘camping with family’ as police launch probe
NO SHAME
Driver who killed my brother fled UK… now he’s flaunting glam life online
HAUNTING ‘PLAN’
Couple caught living with dead dad in ‘sick plot to keep claiming pension’
POLL OF THE DAY
Do you care about the Reform UK donations row? VOTE NOW
4
4
Launched on August 24 the newly established “red zones” will last until December 24.
During that time, police officers will patrol the Colosseum for 24 hours a day.
The Roman ampitheatre is Italy’s most famous attraction – drawing 7 million visitors each year.
But recent surges in crime have marred the historic site – with petty theft unfolding in plain sight.
“Security is tight here, but I just saw a woman get pickpocketed”, one American tourist called Janelle Triton told CNN.
She added: “We were told by our hotel not to come here at night though, so we have avoided the area.”
Millions of euros have been poured into the prestigious tourist hotspot – with the latest being the £61billion splashed on the new metro station.
But improved underground travel may be responsible for the rise in crime, according to officials.
A report in September is expected to show whether the “red zones” have cut down crime.