(ANSA) - ROME, MAR 18 - Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi has sent a directive to the prefects of Rome, Naples and Milan telling them to ensure there is a "reinforced, visible presence of the police" in the areas of the cities' railway stations.
    The interior ministry said Saturday that the aim was to offer "a more effective response to the need for protection in areas where the perception of insecurity is very high".
    It said Piantedosi's directive follows the success of a programme to boost the police presence in the areas of the cities' stations that started on January 10 and ran until March 17.
    It said over 11 police officers were involved in this security programme, with checks run on 93,459 people, 248 arrests and 1,243 people reported to prosecutors. (ANSA).