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Tourists in Venice might soon encounter traffic lights, while thieves could potentially be bound by leg chains - such is the proposed plan to manage both tourism and crime in the city.

Aggravated tourists causing nuisance in the canals, thieves prowling the backstreets - Patience of Venice dwindles. Venetian Regional President Zaia proposes penalties and tracking devices

Tourists in Venice may soon navigate the city under traffic light guidance, while local thieves...
Tourists in Venice may soon navigate the city under traffic light guidance, while local thieves could find themselves restrained with leg chains.

Tourists in Venice might soon encounter traffic lights, while thieves could potentially be bound by leg chains - such is the proposed plan to manage both tourism and crime in the city.

In a bold move to preserve the integrity and beauty of Venice, the President of the Veneto region, Luca Zaia, has proposed stringent measures against disrespectful tourists and pickpockets.

Zaia, expressing his concern about the city becoming a destination for "proletarian tourism," has suggested issuing bans from public places to those who misbehave, similar to measures used for violent football fans. He has also proposed the use of electronic ankle bracelets for pickpockets as a means to combat crime in the city.

The regional government of Veneto has defended the use of ankle monitors, stating that it is a necessary measure to address the high levels of crime, particularly pickpocketing, which they believe is often committed by organized gangs. The implementation of ankle monitors is intended to allow immediate police and justice reactions, as well as act as a deterrent.

The tourist hotspots between the train station, the Rialto Bridge, and St. Mark's Square are particularly vulnerable to pickpocketing. Residents of Venice have recently hung a banner near St. Mark's Square, referring to it as "Pickpocket Alley."

Minors are involved in pickpocketing incidents, often escaping legal consequences. The regional government has stated that pickpocketing is not a minor crime and has called for tougher penalties for repeat offenders. Zaia has suggested the use of electronic ankle monitors with GPS tracking for repeat pickpocket offenders.

The use of ankle monitors for pickpockets is a controversial measure, with concerns about civil liberties. However, the regional government believes that the implementation of these devices will help in the prevention and detection of pickpocketing in Venice.

Zaia has also called for tough measures against disrespectful tourists, suggesting that those who misbehave should be banned, similar to the way violent football fans are banned from stadiums. He condemns the disrespectful behaviors such as jumping off bridges and wearing beachwear in the old town, which often lead to outrage during the annual mass tourism.

The regional government continues to express concern about crime in Venice and is taking steps to address the issue. The use of electronic ankle monitors for pickpockets marks a new approach in their efforts to control crime and preserve the city's beauty and integrity.

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