The sensational robbery of Lord Ara Darzi two days ago on the island of Capri risks fueling a dangerous narrative for the region: one that associates Campania—and Naples in particular—with an inescapable destiny of petty crime and luxury theft.
But beyond the international spotlight, one reality remains: even on the island that symbolizes exclusive Italian tourism, clans and organized crime seem to be able to strike wherever and whenever they want.
Because what was supposed to be a relaxing holiday in Capri for Lord Ara Darzi, a leading figure in British surgery and former Undersecretary of Health in the Brown government, has turned into a front-page nightmare.
The British peer was robbed in front of dozens of witnesses and under the watchful eye of his luxury watch by two thieves who sped away on a speedboat. A movie-like scene, captured on surveillance cameras and gone viral.
The Sun, a well-known English tabloid, did not hesitate to headline emphatically: "Horrible robbery!", also publishing the video of the theft: a few seconds in which a man can be seen approaching Darzi, snatching the precious Richard Mille worth over 300 euros from her wrist and fleeing with an accomplice by sea, in perfect Hollywood style.
But behind the sensational style of the tabloids lies a story that has also made waves in the UK's most respected press. The Times, The Telegraph, and The Guardian all report on the robbery that took place on the VIP island, and they do so with alarming tones.
Darzi, 64, a lecturer at Imperial College London and co-director of the Institute of Global Health Innovation, explained:
"That watch was a gift from the father of a patient whose life I saved six years ago. Sadly, like too many Britons abroad, I experienced street crime firsthand."
All the English newspapers jumped on the news.
The Telegraph notes that Capri has become a regular destination for the super-rich and international celebrities, noting recent visits by Jeff Bezos and his wife, Lauren Sanchez. " Lord Darzi 's Richard Mille ," the newspaper writes, "is an extremely rare piece, reserved for a select global elite that includes Elon Musk and Jay-Z. It's worth at least £175, according to the luxury market."
Late in the afternoon, The Times also returned to the episode, raising its estimate of the watch's value to £250, citing local police sources.
"We were all shaken," Lord Darzi said, "but fortunately no one was hurt. My advice? Leave your valuables at home."
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It's true that crime exists, but I believe there are also many honest people in Campania. It can't all be reduced to a problem of theft and muggings; the situation is more complex.
The robbery in Capri suggests a serious security problem, but it's not universally applicable to Campania. Not all places are as dangerous as they seem; you have to be careful and not panic.