Venice Mayor Appeals to Government for Action on Pickpockets

Venice: Venice Mayor Luigi Brugnaro on Tuesday appealed to Premier Giorgia Meloni’s government to pass legislation to make it easier to prosecute pickpockets, saying they are currently able to steal from tourists in the city with “impunity” because of how the law is applied at the moment. He expressed concerns about the growing issue that affects both the lives of citizens and the city’s reputation.

According to Ansa News Agency, Mayor Brugnaro attributed the problem to the 2022 reform by former Justice Minister Marta Cartabia, which he claims makes it more difficult to punish individuals guilty of minor crimes, even if committed repeatedly. The mayor emphasized that the current legal framework allows pickpockets to operate with little fear of prosecution, thus encouraging criminal activity.

Brugnaro stressed the importance of addressing this issue not only in Venice but across all major tourist cities. “We cannot resign ourselves to the crimes that damage people’s lives and the city’s image on a daily basis becoming normal,” he stated. The mayor’s appeal underscores the need for a legislative review to better protect both residents and visitors from the persistent threat of pickpocketing.