Naples gives ex-cons second chance as tourist guides

LUIGI “Giggino” Nocerino once stalked tourists through the tight alleys of this southern Italian city, snatching bags and valuables to fuel his drug addiction.

Now he looks after his former prey, escorting them through bad neighbourhoods and giving tips on how to avoid muggings and where to eat the best pizza.

Nocerino is one of 70 former convicts, including muggers, drug traffickers and con artists, hired by authorities to guide tourists through the art-rich but crime-plagued city and use their inside knowledge of the local underworld to keep visitors safe.