Termini station and the Esquilino district in central Rome have been declared a 'red zone'. (red zone) by the Italian Ministry of the Interior. The measure aims to increase security and combat crime in the region.
The main transport hub of the Italian capital, the Termini Station It is a crucial transit point for tourists and locals alike. However, the area is frequently the site of thefts and has been the scene of serious crimes such as stabbings in the past.
This ranking coincides with the start of the Jubilee Year, on December 24, 2024, a period in which Rome expects to receive more than 30 million visitors by 2025.
The declaration of a “red zone” around the station comes after two years of increased police presence in the area and at other stations in the city. That action resulted in 504 arrests, 82 deportations, 79 weapons seizures and the identification of 138 illegal or undocumented workers, according to the Ansa news agency.
What does it mean to be a 'red zone'?
'Red zones' are urban areas considered hotbeds of crime or illegal activity, such as drug trafficking. In these areas, authorities can prevent entry to people considered dangerous or with criminal records.
Police can issue removal orders, known as removal order, which prohibit a person from remaining in the area for 48 hours. This measure has already resulted in arrests and deportations in other regions of Italy.
Examples in other cities
Similar measures have been applied in cities such as Bologna and Florence, where “very positive results in preventing and combating illegal activities” have been observed, according to Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi.
Em Florença and Bologna, 105 removal orders were issued among 14.000 people searched in the last three months.
Milan instituted a “red zone” on December 30, encompassing central areas such as the Duomo, Navigli and three train stations – Central, Garibaldi and Rogoredo – lasting three months. On New Year's Eve, the measure resulted in 50 access bans among 2.079 people approached.
The “red zones” are considered an experiment that can be replicated in other Italian cities.
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