Italy imposes ‘red zone’ around Colosseum after major spike in ‘predatory’ & drug crimes by ‘non-EU’ suspects

NewsWorld News 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. Police are now patrolling the Colosseum 24/7 Credit: EPA Youths of “predominantly non-EU origin” allegedly stormed into the historic site in July Credit: Getty 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. Sign up for The Sun newsletter Thank you! 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”. 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 Italy’s police force are cracking down on the spike in crime around the tourist hotspot Credit: Shutterstock Editorial Tourists have reported seeing people pickpocketed right in front of them Credit: Alamy 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. Comment now