Crime Threats
In the past few years, there has been a considerable increase in crimes committed by the growing population of illegal immigrants.
American visitors are generally safe and are not singled out or targeted based on nationality, but foreigners do tend to be targeted for petty theft because they look like tourists. Most street crimes tend to be non-violent and directed toward obtaining property (purse snatching, pickpocketing, residential/vehicle break-ins). The Centro Storico (city center) has the highest incidence of these types of crimes. There have been several purse snatchings and vehicle break-ins reported by Consulate employees. Subways, buses, and trams are lucrative hunting grounds for pickpockets, as the numbers of (often unwary) tourists, coupled with the close proximity and jostling of passengers, makes their actions easier. A review of Consulate Naples’ security and consular files revealed that in 2014 alone, 66 American passports were stolen from visitors to southern Italy.
The center of Naples -- Piazza Garibaldi (the central train station), Centro Storico, Quartieri Spagnoli, and other tourist sites -- are noted for petty crimes, although serious crimes can and do occur. Watch thefts, purse snatchings, and pickpocketing are the most frequent forms of crime reported in the area, and these incidents are especially common in the summer. Another “high risk” location in the center of Naples is in the Secondigliano/Capodichino area.