2024 ends with a positive balance sheet for the Carabinieri Provincial Command of Reggio Calabria, which has carried out a 360-degree safety and prevention activity, responding increasingly effectively to the needs of the community. Thanks to incessant and well-coordinated work, the Carabinieri have managed to obtain important results both in the fight against crime and in the protection of the most vulnerable sections of the population.
Improvement in emergency management: the role of 112 NUE
A figure that marks 2024 is the decrease in emergency calls directed to the Carabinieri, a result directly related to the implementation of the single European emergency number 112 (NUE), which has allowed for more centralized and rapid management of emergencies. Although the total number of calls to 112 continued to be high, there was an immediate redistribution of requests for intervention and a more immediate response to the needs of the population. This had a positive impact on the efficiency of operations, allowing the Carabinieri to respond even more promptly to local needs, without overloading individual emergency lines. Overall, the Carabinieri handled over 30,000 calls to 112 in 2024, with a significant improvement in intervention capacity thanks to the reorganization of call flows which reduced waiting times and optimized resources, contributing to safety action faster and more targeted.
Control of the territory and reduction of crimes: the numbers speak clearly
On the security front, the Provincial Command continued with its commitment to guaranteeing a widespread presence in the territory. Almost 200,000 people and 175,000 vehicles were subjected to checks, in particular on the main road arteries and in places of aggregation, with a positive impact on road safety, contributing to the reduction of accidents (-6.5%) and road fatalities ( -41%). The Carabinieri, on the front line in the fight against predatory and widespread crime, recorded a reduction of almost 2% in reported crimes compared to the previous year. Furthermore, in the past year the Carabinieri of Reggio Calabria have intensified controls in the Arghillà neighbourhood, an area characterized by socio-economic problems and widespread crime, including organized crime; proof of this are two distinct territorial control operations, during which two young people accused of illegal possession of weapons were arrested, because the first was found in possession of a ready-to-use gun and the other with a real arsenal in the garage of your home.
Fight against organized crime
The fight against organized crime also continued to be an absolute priority of the Carabinieri, particularly in the province of Reggio Calabria but also at a global level. In this regard, it is important to note the arrest of Bruno Gioffrè, together with 2 supporters, included in the list of the most dangerous fugitives, already untraceable at the time of the execution of the precautionary custody order in prison for criminal association aimed at trafficking of narcotic substances. Below are some of the operations that received the most media coverage: the “POPOLARI HOUSES” operation, which led to the arrest of 9 people, accused of being part of a criminal association that illegally managed public housing in Reggio Calabria, and the “PERSEVERANT” operation, which led to the arrest of 18 people involved in vast drug trafficking between Taurianova, Rosarno, Platì and Gerocarne, with a turnover estimated at over one million euros. The same applies to the “ARANGEA” operation, which led to the arrest of 12 people accused of mafia association, extortion, fictitious registration of assets and possession of weapons. The investigations revealed a system of extortion and territorial control implemented by the ‘Ndrangheta gang operating in the Arangea district, with infiltrations into economic activities and construction sites. With the “DRUG TAKE-AWAY” operation and the arrest of 5 individuals (grandparents, children and grandchildren), steps were taken to dismantle a family cocaine dealing network in one or more of the symbolic neighborhoods of this city. The investigation, launched thanks to reports from residents, revealed a drug “take-away” system, in which cocaine was dropped from the balcony into a bucket to minimize risks. Despite the presence of “lookouts” in the neighborhood, the Carabinieri collected decisive evidence through stakeouts and searches, seizing money and packaging material. Finally, during the “GAME OVER” operation, the Locri Carabinieri, with the support of their colleagues from Genoa and Caserta, arrested 3 members of a gang that defrauded elderly people using the “fake Carabiniere” method. The gang deceived elderly victims by telling them that a family member had been involved in an accident and that they needed money or jewels to avoid arrest.
Protection of vulnerable groups: scams targeting the elderly and gender violence
Another important chapter of the Carabinieri’s work in 2024 was that of prevention, with particular attention to the most vulnerable categories of the population. Elderly scams were tackled through a series of information meetings in parishes and senior centres, with over 100 events reaching thousands of people. The interventions aimed to raise awareness of the dangers of scams and how to defend oneself, always inviting people to contact 112 in case of suspicions. On the gender violence front, the Carabinieri continued to promote the “Red Code”, the rapid intervention protocol for victims of domestic abuse. In 2024, numerous cases were treated with a 15% increase in people referred to the AG, confirming the force’s commitment to protecting women and intervening promptly in cases of mistreatment.
Controls at work, environment and public health
In 2024, the province of Reggio Calabria saw the establishment of the Agri-food Protection Unit, a new reality that fits into the framework of protection and legality activities, with particular attention to the safety and quality of agri-food products. Although similar units are already operational in other large Italian cities, the establishment of this structure represents a further step towards strengthening control activities also in the Reggio area. The Agri-Food Protection Unit is responsible for ensuring that food products placed on the market are safe, healthy and comply with health and hygiene regulations, protecting public health and defending consumers from fraud. In particular, the Unit carries out careful supervision over the entire agri-food supply chain, monitoring the production, transformation and distribution of products to prevent adulteration and illicit practices such as counterfeiting and misleading labelling. This year, over 60 checks were carried out which led to the referral of 9 people to the Judicial Authority, as well as administrative sanctions of almost 130 thousand euros and the seizure of over 600 tonnes of food products. In parallel, the Carabinieri have also intensified controls in the workplace and environment, with the Labor Inspectorate Unit carrying out over 80 inspections, leading to the reporting of around 70 people for workplace safety irregularities. The checks in the health and food field, coordinated with the Anti-adulteration and Health Unit, led to the carrying out of around 30 checks and the reporting of 10 people for irregularities.
Solidarity and social commitment: blood donation and contribution to the Pediatric Department
A further sign of the Carabinieri’s closeness to the Reggio community is represented by the first blood donation campaign at the Grand Metropolitan Hospital of Reggio Calabria. This concrete gesture of altruism and solidarity profoundly reflects the silent self-denial of the Army in serving and protecting the community, also through acts of generosity that can make a difference in the lives of those who suffer and need life-saving therapies. A gesture that received formal recognition from the GOM on the occasion of the Christmas concert held at the “Cilea” theater. Furthermore, again during the past year, the Provincial Command of Reggio Calabria, on behalf of the General Command of the Carabinieri, delivered a contribution to the local Pediatric Department of the GOM, fruit of the proceeds from the sales of Planning 2024, for express closeness and restore hope to the many children hospitalized there and their families.
The Carabinieri alongside the University of the Mediterranean for the sustainability and development of the territory of the Strait of Messina”
In this past year, the “Mediterranea” University of Reggio Calabria involved the Carabinieri in the II level International Master called “ONE HEALTH”, aimed at developing sustainable models for the protection and transition of the territory of the Strait of Messina. The Carabinieri plays a central role in this project, not only as a security force, but also as a promoter of educational and sustainable development initiatives. In the context of the Master, the Carabinieri will contribute to training experts in the valorisation of sustainable models, supporting the ecological and technological transition of the Strait of Messina area. Their participation is a testimony to the Army’s commitment to addressing the social and environmental challenges of the area, integrating civil protection, security and resource management skills with a view to long-term development. Furthermore, the Arma’s involvement in global events such as the G7 and in large infrastructure projects underlines its function as a catalyst for cooperation between local and international institutions, with the aim of strengthening the social, economic and cultural progress of the region.
A positive balance sheet and a look to the future
2024 therefore ends with an extremely positive balance sheet for the Carabinieri Provincial Command of Reggio Calabria. The synergy between the various components of the Force and the collaboration with the other Police Forces and the Judicial Authority have made it possible to achieve significant results in terms of security and justice. The reorganization in emergency management, with the improvement in the use of the 112 NUE, and the establishment of the Agri-Food Protection Unit of the Army, have optimized operational efficiency and allowed an even quicker and more effective response to citizens’ needs. Looking to the future, the Provincial Command has new projects in the pipeline, always in the direction already traced, characterized by proximity and inclusion, without ever deflecting in the fight against organized crime as well as widespread crime, in the protection of the weakest and in keeping the perception high of safety among the citizens of Reggio, with the aim of building an increasingly safer territory, in which legality is an undisputed and shared priority.