Overview
This page provides a data-driven overview of crime and safety in Catania, in the Sicily region. Based on official 2023 statistics, Catania is about average compared to other Italian provinces in terms of safety, ranking 72 out of 106 with a safety score of 5/10.
Below you will find details on thefts, violent crimes, organized crime, drug-related offenses, and accidents, along with answers to common questions about safety in Catania.
Crime and Safety
The province of Catania ranks 72 out of 106 for safety according to our data, with a safety score of 5. There were a total of 3794.987 official reports of crime per 100,000 inhabitants in the province in 2023. This is in line with the average number of reported crimes per 100,000 inhabitants across all Italian provinces. This suggests that the crime rate in Catania is typical for Italian provinces.
Thefts and Robberies
In the province of Catania, there were 26.7 instances of thefts with dexterity (thefts committed with special skill, superior to that normally used by the common thief), 30.133 instances of snatch thefts (thefts committed by someone who takes possession of another's movable property by snatching it from the person's hand or body), 512.448 car thefts, and 109.897 home burglaries per 100,000 inhabitants in 2023.
Below is an overview of how these types of theft compare with the average across all Italian provinces:
Thefts with dexterity are in line with the average. This suggests that the rate of thefts with dexterity in Catania is typical for Italian provinces.
Snatch thefts are in line with the average. This suggests that the rate of snatch thefts in Catania is typical for Italian provinces.
Car thefts are in line with the average. This suggests that the rate of car thefts in Catania is typical for Italian provinces.
Home burglaries are in line with the average. This suggests that the rate of home burglaries in Catania is typical for Italian provinces.
Violent Crimes
In the province of Catania, there were 10.17 instances of violent crimes (homicides and sexual assaults) per 100,000 inhabitants in 2023. This is in line with the average number of violent crimes per 100,000 inhabitants across all Italian provinces. This suggests that the violent crime rate in Catania is typical for Italian provinces.
Organized Crime & Drug-related Crimes
In the province of Catania, there were 17.912 instances of extortions, 1.586 instances of money laundering, and 45.899 drug-related crimes (such as dealing, production, etc.) per 100,000 inhabitants in 2023.
Extortions are in line with the average for provinces in Italy. This suggests that the rate of extortions in Catania is typical for Italian provinces.
Money laundering instances are in line with the national average. This suggests that the rate of money laundering in Catania is typical for Italian provinces.
Drug-related crimes are in line with the average amongst Italian provinces. This suggests that the rate of drug-related crimes in Catania is typical for Italian provinces.
Mafia Activity
Catania has been a hotspot for mafia activity, particularly linked to the Cosa Nostra clans operating in the area. Recent police operations in Catania have led to significant arrests, with 40 people detained in a sweep targeting Cosa Nostra clans in the city. Investigations have uncovered connections between mafia groups and drug trafficking activities in Catania, with key figures like Massimiliano Arena, Marco Turchetti, Rosario Turchetti, and Angelo Patanè implicated in these criminal operations. The presence of organized crime in Catania has also been highlighted by the city's association with the powerful 'Ndrangheta mafia clans, known for their involvement in money laundering, drug dealing, and arms smuggling across Europe. The city's crime epidemic, including street muggings and carjackings, has raised concerns about the influence of Sicily's Mafia families in Catania, with ongoing efforts by Italian police to curb these criminal activities and dismantle mafia networks operating in the region.Accidents
In the province of Catania, there were 11.1 instances of fatal and permanent disability accidents per 10,000 employees, and 2.184 road accident deaths per 10,000 residents in 2023. Workplace accidents are in line with the national average average. This suggests that the rate of workplace accidents in Catania is typical for Italian provinces.
Road accident deaths are in line with the national average. This suggests that the rate of road accident deaths in Catania is typical for Italian provinces.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Catania safe to live?
Catania is generally considered a relatively safe city to live in, but it does have some safety considerations that residents should be aware of. The city has a medium overall risk, with concerns about petty crimes like pickpocketing, muggings, and scams being common, especially in crowded areas and near transportation hubs. Residents are advised to be vigilant with their belongings, avoid wearing expensive jewelry, and not carry large amounts of cash. It is recommended to stay alert and avoid walking alone at night, particularly in poorly lit areas and around the train station. The city is prone to natural disasters like earthquakes and floods due to its location on the eastern Sicily coast, making it important for residents to stay informed about weather conditions and follow local advisories.Is Catania safe for tourists and travelers?
Catania is considered moderately safe for tourists, though it does require more caution than some smaller Sicilian cities. Petty crimes like pickpocketing and bag snatching can occur, especially in crowded areas and on public transit. Tourists should keep valuables secure and avoid flaunting expensive items. Violent crimes against visitors are not common, but tourists should still avoid isolated or poorly lit areas, especially at night. Corruption is also a concern in Catania, so tourists should be wary of potential scams. With basic precautions, most of Catania's historic center and popular tourist sites can be safely explored during the day. However, extra vigilance is advised, particularly for solo travelers, when venturing out at night.Is Catania safe at night?
Catania is generally considered safe to walk around at night, especially in the well-lit and populated city center. However, as with any city, it's advisable to exercise caution and avoid isolated or unlit areas after dark. Petty crimes like pickpocketing can occur, so residents should keep valuables secure and be aware of their surroundings. Overall, Catania has a low crime rate and the city center is well-patrolled, making it relatively safe for nighttime activities and exploration.Discover
Recommended Tours in Catania
Crime and Safety of Provinces Nearby
