Bardolino Hotels Turn to Private Security to Combat Theft

Desire for security. A cherished wish for everyone, private families and accommodations alike, but far from easy to implement even in a country where three law enforcement detachments have long operated: Carabinieri, Stradale Police, and Finance Guardia. The presence of these agencies tasked with maintaining security is not considered enough, according to the local Hotel Association and many members of Asco Unione Confcommercio del Baldo Garda, to address the rise in thefts in homes and hotels. The latest incident took place on Saturday evening at the Nettuno Hotel, which was visited (obviously unwelcome) by unidentified individuals. In an effort to curb this proliferation of burglars, many lodging and commercial businesses in Bardolino have decided to entrust their security to a private security company.

Private Security Activity

“About two months ago, we conducted a survey among all our members to understand their problems and needs,” explained Fernando Morando, president of Asco Baldo Garda, during yesterday morning’s press conference at Ristorante Montefelice. “It emerged strongly that there is a desire for greater surveillance on the territory and over tourist residential structures, both commercial and non-commercial. We therefore began working to develop a program to protect Bardolino’s productive activities, complementing the already effective services provided by the military stationed in town.” The choice of Asco Unione fell on “La Vigilie San Marco“, a company also operating in the municipalities of Lazise and Peschiera.

“Our initiative is not a sign of distrust toward the local law enforcement agencies, which we feel very close to,” stated Giancarlo Salandini, president of the hoteliers. “It is only an additional service to safeguard our working activities. A tourist who is robbed in the square or, worse, in their hotel room will hardly return to that establishment. It causes not only economic damage but also image damage, first affecting the hotel owner and then the place where the activity is located. Once back home from vacation, they certainly won’t promote Bardolino positively.”

Although they acknowledge that this solution does not cure all ills, more than one hundred business owners have already signed contracts with the security agency. The large number of memberships has allowed Società per azioni di Mestre to offer private clients packages starting at seventy thousand lire per month.

“The cost varies depending on the size and access points of the structures to be monitored,” specified Matteo Bottin. “Obviously, a hotel incurs higher costs than a small shop. Our work is based on targeted, multiple nightly checks at different times to avoid giving precise reference points. Thanks to a special electronic tool, we can also communicate to the private client the details of all checks performed. The goal is to create a deterrent service, an additional measure alongside the efforts of law enforcement.”

Opinions and Critical Issues

“This is a positive and commendable private initiative,” said Alberto Saggio, commander of the local Guardia di Finanza station. However, he points out that there is an insufficient number of personnel among the agencies responsible for territorial security. “I believe there are foundations for fruitful collaboration,” concluded the marshal of the Fiamme Gialle, after advising local merchants to pay particular attention during hiring processes.

“Don’t be swayed by pity: hiring foreigners without valid entry visas into Italy is risky.” Similarly aligned, Stefano Cini, commander of the Carabinieri in Bardolino, added: “Most summer burglaries are committed by illegal immigrants, and until we cut off the source, it is difficult to address the issue. We have no objection to this private security service; in fact, the key is a close collaboration and ongoing exchange of information with the law enforcement agencies already present in the area.”