VICENZA, Italy - Soldiers, civilians and families at U.S. Army Garrison Italy should be aware that the Carabinieri and Vicenza police are investigating robberies which have been reported in local newspapers.
This was first reported Feb. 12 by Il Giornale di Vicenza and translated by the garrison public affairs office for its weekly Italian News feature on The Garrison Outlook.
These recent crimes are targets of opportunity and not any specific group of people. There is no cause for alarm, but we should not become complacent.
Italian Prefect Salvatore Caccamo said in a Feb. 14 public order and safety committee meeting that there have been 18 robberies in Vicenza since the beginning of the year, compared to 14 in the same period last year. There have been 63 home burglaries reported up from 35 from last year. There have also been more muggings and pickpocketing.
The city of Vicenza committed to install at least 9 additional cameras that will be controlled and monitored by the Questura, hiring additional police officers, and increasing patrols throughout the Centro area. The city also announced that the Carabinieri and Polizia will be stationed on Corso Palladio in the historic center to deter and respond quickly to reported crimes.
Our U.S. Army military police offer some crime prevention tips to follow while in any major city. Discuss these with friends and family.
Avoid
Traveling alone while on foot.
Dimly lit areas, parks, and generally areas with limited visibility late at night.
Carrying large amounts of cash or valuables.
Using ATMs at night.
Do
Trust your instincts – if someone or something makes you feel uneasy, avoid it!
Show confidence – Walk at a steady pace and keep your head up!
Maintain situational awareness – don’t wear headphones or look at your cellphone. Be observant!
Keep emergency numbers on you (and know where you are). Dial 112 off-post for local law enforcement or to reach the U.S. Military Police, call 0444-71-5300.
*If you are the victim of a robbery, try to remember as much information as possible to assist in identifying the suspects. Most importantly – stay calm and don’t resist. Money and property can be replaced – you cannot!
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