Berlusconi sends in troops to tackle street crime

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Soldiers are to be sent onto the streets of ten Italian cities as the new prime minister, Silvio Berlusconi, cracks down on crime.

The troops - drawn from those who have served in Afghanistan and Kosovo - will patrol alongside regular state police and carabinieri paramilitary police.

They will be able to stop and search suspects, but will have no powers of arrest.

The 2,500 troops will patrol in Rome, Milan, Naples, Bari, Florence, Genoa, Bologna, Turin, Palermo and Venice.

Government sources said it was likely they would start within the next two weeks. The scheme will initially be for six months.

Defence minister Ignazio La Russa said: 'If it was possible to recruit and train 2,500 police officers immediately than I would be delighted not to use troops in the cities.'

But the move has been widely criticised. Antonio Di Pietro, founder of the Italy of Values party, said: 'The idea of militarising cities gives an impression of insecurity and will affect tourism and the economy.'

Mr Berlusconi was returned to power two months ago after assuring Italians he would deal with rising crime, which many blame on illegal immigrants.