"We Don't Feel Safe Anymore": Residents Demand Action as Crime Surges in Milan's Historic Centre

For decades, Milan's historic centre has attracted tourists and residents alike, drawn by the grandeur of the Duomo and the artistic heritage of Brera. But in recent months, a spike in petty crime and street violence has transformed the experience for many locals, who say they now avoid evening walks and feel increasingly vulnerable in neighbourhoods they once considered safe.

The Polizia di Stato reported a 23 percent increase in reported thefts across the Duomo and Brera districts during the first half of 2026 compared to the same period last year. Pickpocketing near major landmarks and bag-snatching on public transport have become distressingly common, according to residents interviewed by The Daily Milan.

"The problem is visibility," said one long-time resident of Via Brera, speaking on condition of anonymity. "You see fewer uniformed officers than you did two years ago. Criminals know this." Local shopkeepers report increased insurance premiums—some paying up to 15 percent more than in 2024—while several have invested in additional security cameras and reinforced shutters.

The neighbourhood association of Navigli, another central district affected by rising street crime, has organised monthly meetings with representatives from the Questura (police headquarters) and the Milan municipality. "We're not asking for the impossible," explained one attendee. "We simply want a sustained presence. Right now it feels reactive rather than preventative."

Concerns have intensified following three armed robberies near Stazione Centrale in May and June. While serious violent crime remains statistically rare—Milan's homicide rate of 1.8 per 100,000 residents sits well below the national average—residents say the psychological impact of these incidents has rattled confidence in public safety.

The municipality has pledged to increase patrols by 150 officers by September 2026, and neighbourhood policing initiatives are being expanded. Yet residents remain sceptical about implementation timelines. "We've heard promises before," noted a shopkeeper on Corso Como. "What we need now is action."

Community organisations like the Brera Residents Association are documenting incidents and collaborating with the Carabinieri to improve communication channels. They're also advocating for better lighting on secondary streets and enhanced CCTV coverage in crime hotspots—measures they argue are essential complements to traditional policing in a city grappling with the security challenges facing major European urban centres.

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