(Credit: Jeanne Frank/Bloomberg)
(CNN) --
A tourism chief in Naples has devised a unique solution for visitors worried about theft in the southern Italian city, after reports that French actor Daniel Auteuil's luxury watch was recently stolen at the zone.
Cesare Foa, president of the tour operators association Aidit, says hotels could provide guests who wear expensive watches with cheap plastic alternatives to ensure their royal watches can stay safe as they go out and explore the city.
Italian news agency ANSA reported last week that Auteuil had a 39,000-euro ($41,250) Patek Philippe watch stolen from his wrist: two people on scooters took it from him while he was riding in a taxi with the window open.
Foa told CNN on Monday: "It is important that tourists in Naples are able to enjoy tranquility and peace in the city, so hotels and the council could help ensure these guests feel safe and relaxed by giving them a plastic watch.
Daniel Auteuil (Alberto Pizzoli/AFP/Getty Images)
Foa added that the suggested watches would not only be effective in preventing theft, but could also function as unique souvenirs for tourists.
"The clocks could be decorated, they could carry a symbol of Campania (the region of Italy of which Naples is the capital) and they could be given as gifts to family and friends," he said.
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He added that there are "no problems with theft" in Naples and said it is no different than any other city in Italy, such as Milan or Rome or indeed any other major city in the world, where visitors and tourists are often targeted. of pickpockets.
Naples at dawn.
(Credit: rudi1976/Adobe Stock)
Foa said his suggestion for a solution would also be profitable, as plastic watches could cost as little as 10 euros ($10.58), he said.
Whether or not the idea will be implemented is not yet clear, but wealthy tourists may find it easier to part with a $10.58 watch than a $41,000 one.
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