Mergellina, attempted theft in a tavern: “Abandoned area, zero security”

Napoli – An attempted break-in, stolen bottles of wine, blood on the floor and a broken armored door. It is the umpteenth episode of crime that shakes Mergellina, one of the most suggestive and touristic areas of the Neapolitan seafront, but increasingly the scene of episodes of degradation and insecurity.

A small tavern that had been open for over thirteen years was targeted during the night. Unknown individuals entered the premises by breaking down the entrances, devastating the interior and taking part of the contents of the cellar. Although the loot was modest, the damage – material and moral – was heavy.

The owner of the business has publicly denounced the situation by writing to Francesco Emilio Borrelli, a member of parliament for the Green Alliance – Left.

The owner of the tavern reports: "Mergellina is out of control"

“Mergellina is out of control. Like many other honest traders, I am tired and disappointed. We can no longer work peacefully. I am seriously considering closing and leaving everything. We need a real redevelopment plan, not just catwalks and promises”.
The premises, upon the arrival of the Police and the Scientific Police, showed clear signs of a break-in. There were also traces of blood on the floor, presumably from the perpetrator or perpetrators of the robbery, who were injured during the break-in.

But for the merchants in the area it is not an isolated case. The attempted theft represents the latest episode in a long series: robberies, muggings, assaults, up to the murder of the young Francesco Pio Maimone, which occurred a little over a year ago, which has deeply shocked public opinion.

"The situation in Mergellina is out of control," Borrelli said. "Between illegal parking attendants, unauthorized parking, petty crime and degradation, this area has become a no man's land. And yet we are talking about an area that is a symbol of Naples, a calling card for tourists and citizens. We need a concrete relaunch plan, with the constant presence of law enforcement and structural measures to re-establish legality. We cannot abandon Mergellina to illegality."

Traders are demanding more forcefully surveillance, working cameras, more patrols and a long-term vision that restores decorum and safety to one of the most beautiful – but today most vulnerable – areas of the city.