Rumour Control

You may have heard that Naples is "dangerous" or controlled by the Mafia. While it is true that there is a lot of petty theft, and the Camorra (the local Mafia) is a powerful force, there is almost no violent crime. Please do not believe the horror stories which circulate prior to posting here – Crime really isn’t as bad as is made out, small stories have the habit of expanding with every telling.

Complacency

That does not however mean one should be complacent, crime does happen here just as it does in the UK though it is relatively low compared with towns and cities in the UK. The main difference here could be that many personnel are used to the secure environment of FMQs, Barracks and Station life where we have our own Police Force and Guarding. In Italy personnel are distributed out in the suburbs of Naples not in a concentrated area where neighbours look out for one another and access by civilians is limited. There is also the factor that it is hard to disguise the fact you’re British and are therefore seen as quite affluent comparatively speaking. These facts are not only limited to British personnel, our NATO colleagues are also the target of crime. There are many safeguardsin place to prevent the criminal from reaching their goal including Europol alarm systems, external lighting on properties and very good quality locks and doors.

Care and Attention to detail

There are higher levels of petty crime in the big city centres. Take care on public transport and in crowded areas where pickpockets and bag snatchers may be operating. Be particularly wary of groups of children who may try to distract your attention whilst trying to steal from you.

Passports, credit cards, travel tickets and cash should not be carried together in handbags or pockets. Only carry with you what you need for the day and never leave valuable in your car.

Reporting

Please do report any incidents, however small, as soon as possible. Also report and defects with doors, locks, alarms or external lighting to Villa B helpdesk without delay.

Contact Details

Still have questions? Contact your RAF Policeman by visiting him in the top floor of the UKJSU located within the administration office or one of the following:

:     AFSADM-RAFP@naplesfus.afpaa.mod.uk

(     (0039) 081 334 2730 or (0039) 081 721 3748 (NATO)

         (0039) 335 661 4893 (Duty Mobile)