Overview
This page provides a data-driven overview of crime and safety in Palermo, in the Sicily region. Based on official 2023 statistics, Palermo is about average compared to other Italian provinces in terms of safety, ranking 77 out of 106 with a safety score of 4/10.
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 Palermo.
Crime and Safety
The province of Palermo ranks 77 out of 106 for safety according to our data, with a safety score of 4. There were a total of 3784.565 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 Palermo is typical for Italian provinces.
Thefts and Robberies
In the province of Palermo, there were 24.1 instances of thefts with dexterity (thefts committed with special skill, superior to that normally used by the common thief), 18.069 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), 447.227 car thefts, and 108.247 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 Palermo is typical for Italian provinces.
Snatch thefts are in line with the average. This suggests that the rate of snatch thefts in Palermo is typical for Italian provinces.
Car thefts are in line with the average. This suggests that the rate of car thefts in Palermo is typical for Italian provinces.
Home burglaries are in line with the average. This suggests that the rate of home burglaries in Palermo is typical for Italian provinces.
Violent Crimes
In the province of Palermo, there were 12.16 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 Palermo is typical for Italian provinces.
Organized Crime & Drug-related Crimes
In the province of Palermo, there were 22.898 instances of extortions, 3.497 instances of money laundering, and 45.464 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 Palermo is typical for Italian provinces.
Money laundering instances are in line with the national average. This suggests that the rate of money laundering in Palermo 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 Palermo is typical for Italian provinces.
Mafia Activity
Palermo, the capital of Sicily, has long been considered the birthplace and stronghold of the Sicilian Mafia, also known as the Cosa Nostra. The city has a deep-rooted history of mafia influence, dating back to the mid-19th century when private armies, or 'mafie', were hired by absentee landlords to protect their estates from bandits. Over time, these 'mafie' evolved into a powerful criminal organization that expanded its activities beyond just providing protection, engaging in extortion, arbitration of disputes, and the oversight of illegal agreements and transactions. By the 20th century, the Mafia had become entrenched in Palermo's political, economic, and social fabric, wielding significant influence and control. The Mafia's presence in Palermo has been marked by periods of both suppression and resurgence. In the 1920s, Fascist dictator Benito Mussolini's appointed prefect, Cesare Mori, launched a crackdown that temporarily disrupted the Mafia's operations. However, the organization regained strength after the Allied invasion of Sicily in 1943, when many imprisoned mafiosi were released and reinstated in positions of power. The 1980s and 1990s were particularly turbulent years for Palermo, as the Mafia's influence and criminal activities escalated, leading to an increase in violence and high-profile assassinations targeting anti-Mafia figures, such as the 1992 killings of judges Giovanni Falcone and Paolo Borsellino. Despite ongoing efforts by law enforcement and the Italian government to combat the Mafia's grip on Palermo, the city remains a stronghold of organized crime, with the Cosa Nostra continuing to exert its power and control over various aspects of life in the Sicilian capital.Accidents
In the province of Palermo, there were 10.9 instances of fatal and permanent disability accidents per 10,000 employees, and 1.914 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 Palermo 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 Palermo is typical for Italian provinces.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Palermo safe to live?
Palermo can be considered a relatively safe city to live in, especially compared to its notorious past. While the city has a history associated with the mafia, organized crime has been significantly reduced in recent decades due to efforts by the judiciary and population. Palermo is no longer dominated by organized crime. Petty crimes like pickpocketing and thefts do occur, especially in crowded tourist areas, but are not excessively high compared to other Italian cities. Residents are advised to take basic precautions, such as keeping valuables secure and avoiding isolated areas at night. As with any large city, some neighborhoods in Palermo are safer than others. Certain areas like the historic center have seen improvements in safety in recent years. However, residents should still exercise normal precautions.Is Palermo safe for tourists and travelers?
Palermo is generally considered a safe city for tourists, though it does require some additional precautions compared to smaller Sicilian towns. The historic city center is well-patrolled and secure, but tourists should still be alert for petty crimes like pickpocketing, especially in crowded tourist areas and on public transportation. Violent crimes against visitors are rare, but tourists should avoid isolated or poorly lit side streets, especially at night. With basic situational awareness and by keeping valuables out of sight, Palermo can be navigated safely. Tourists should also be cautious of potential scams and overcharging, particularly in touristy areas. Overall, Palermo is a vibrant and rewarding destination for visitors who exercise standard safety measures.Is Palermo safe at night?
Palermo is generally safe to walk around at night, particularly in well-lit, populated areas like the city center, via Maqueda, Teatro Massimo, and Piazza Olivella. While the main tourist areas are bustling and secure, caution is advised in neighborhoods with higher crime rates such as Albergheria, Borgo Vecchio, Zen, Brancaccio, and Sperone, where sticking to well-traveled streets is recommended. It's important to stay vigilant, avoid isolated or dimly lit areas, secure valuables, and consider using taxis, especially for longer walks or as a solo traveler. By exercising common sense and awareness, visitors can enjoy Palermo's nightlife safely.Discover
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