Colosseum becomes ‘red zone’ in major new Rome security crackdown

Tourists heading to Rome’s Colosseum are being urged to brace for increased security around this iconic site, with the first eight individuals already kicked out of a newly established ‘red zone’ due to reports of pickpocketing and street scams. This new approach gives authorities more authority to remove those they consider a risk to public safety, and it will stay in effect until Christmas Eve.

The initial enforcement has mainly targeted offences that can directly impact visitors. Among those removed were individuals involved in the notorious ‘three-card monte’ street gambling scam and someone accused of pickpocketing a tourist.

Access to the Colosseum remains open

These new measures don’t shut the Colosseum down or stop visitors from entering the site itself. Instead, the focus is on the area surrounding the landmark, where police and military personnel are ramping up security. This protected zone includes the Colosseum, the Imperial Forums, and Colle Oppio, and the measures will be in effect from August 24 until December 24.

For those planning to visit Rome in the next few months, the main change will be the heightened security in one of the city’s most popular tourist spots, not restricted access to the monument. The initial removals suggest that authorities are already putting their new powers to use.

Initial issues: pickpocketing and street scams

One of the cases involved a tourist being pickpocketed, while others were tied to the ‘three-card monte’ con, where tourists are lured into betting money as accomplices create the illusion of a winning game.

Rai News reported that since the new rules were enacted, eight removal orders have been issued for various offenses around the Colosseum and Imperial Forums. This addresses two of the main issues tourists face: theft and scams.

Crime concerns led to stricter measures

Authorities have ramped up these controls amid ongoing issues with petty crimes, thefts, disorder, and drug dealing in the historic area. A serious incident on July 1, where 50 people gathered unlawfully near the Colosseum resulting in injuries to two municipal police officers, prompted this crackdown.

Authorities have also noted that changes in pedestrian traffic, following the opening of the new Roma Colosseo Metro C station, have led to increased access to the historic center, which they link to the security issues around the Colosseum.

Understanding the ‘red zone’

This designation allows police to remove individuals who fit specific criteria, including those reported for particular offenses in the past five years related to people or property, weapons, and drug offences. It’s not a blanket exclusion zone for anyone suspected of wrongdoing.

The enforcement powers are clearly defined in the prefect’s ordinance. The Colosseum area will also see a steady presence of local police and military personnel as part of the enhanced security plan.

Controls will last until December 24

The first eight removal orders came just days after the new measures went into effect, giving authorities a prompt indication of how well these powers are working. This security framework will be active until Christmas Eve, covering the busy tourist season in autumn and extending into December.

For now, visitors should know that the Colosseum remains accessible, but it’s crucial to stay alert for pickpockets and scams, especially when carrying valuables in crowded spots around the monument. The key takeaway is that Rome now has the capability to remove individuals suspected of the behaviours these new measures aim to combat.