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depends where you buy-  Personally there are bits of Calabria I would avoid, and bits of Campania, Rome and milan.  But on the whole I think its much safer than many other places.  most violent crime in Italy is within the family - children killing their parents, and men killing their women.   Obviously its not like it was 50 years ago, now you should lock your door and take sensible precautions, but there isnt crime against strangers as in other countries.  In the UK you would get stabbed in London for looking at someones girlfriend, here its more likely they'd attack you if you didnt.  I feel much safer in the south of Italy and  Sicily than I ever did in London.    There is crime in Canada too, probably in the same ratio to ITaly.  Its just bigger with fewer people.. 

I tend to agree with modicasa - it depends on where you choose to live.My holiday place is in the hills in the North in a small hamlet - about 20 residents and a few [��������] holiday homes.  The garage and store room are often left unlocked when we go away. I leave the key with local tradesmen if work needs doing when I'm awayLocals keep an eye on what is happening - just before Christmas, a neighbour stopped the water company from cutting off my supply [because of one missed Direct Debit payment 4 years ago], and as he spoke no English, he contacted an �������� friend who did, and he helped me sort it out with my Bank. I've never felt safer anywhere.[For some reason, felt terrified when in parts of Naples - probably because of press 'scaremongering']

I also agree with Modicasa and Alan, although I've heard of crime here in Abruzzo, it seems very little. Then again we live a very rural life here whereas in England we were nearer a big city where drink-fuelled violence seemed almost a way of life at times.

We live 120km south of Naples and have done for 10 years. We have never witnessed (or heard of) any drunkness in the streets, muggings and violence which is so common in the UK these days. As a female I would walk on my own at night here which I would never do in the UK. The closest you get to the cities and big towns probably the more likely you are to experience the problems you mentioned. Out in the smaller towns/villages it seems more about people looking out for each other and maintaining the more traditional way of living.

We have a property in Lombardy... just east of Bergamo actually, in a little town on Lake Iseo. It is the most pretty, well-ordered, friendly place...we feel safe, secure and welcomed in the whole area...I'm not aware of any crime as such.... the local police are friendly and helpful.... just a really nice place to live. I have lived also in Genova and although I love it I can honestly say that this area is a world away ! 

HI from a fellow Canuck living in Tuscany.i can't speak for all of Italy, but Tuscany is very safe. I would assume most large cities have the usual share of criminal activity (I was a police officer for many years so am hyper sensitive to security issues) but the smaller towns and cities are very safe.  We don't have violent gun crimes like the US either.There remains a strong sense of community in many parts, where neighbors watch out for each other.  It is easy to buy property here and many foreigners and ��������s own property here they use part time and also rent to tourists, which can be a very good income and no worries about security.The government will not take your home and give it to someone else!Italy is a magical place to live.  Yes, it is riddled with burocracy and paperwork and systems, but the flip side is beautiful weather (I come from rainy Vancouver)  amazing food, warm people, spectacular wine...and yes, safety. Cheers!