It seems that now they are no longer under the watchful eye of law enforcement, the 2,800 residents have let loose.

Italian newspapers were quick to declare “anarchy in the streets” of Morsano.

“The village without police where anarchy reigns in the streets”

The last remaining police officer in the town went into retirement two months ago, and three announcements for a substitute have been unsuccessful.

Motorists are taking advantage of the lack of police patrols, and residents have noticed an increase in dangerous driving, with illegal parking and speeding the top two grievances.

The lawlessness on the town’s narrow roads has certainly angered locals.

A Facebook groups run by local citizens, Liste Civiche Progetto Morsano e Per Morsano, published photos of illegally parked cars one evening as evidence of the need for police. The photos showed drivers who had double parked or parked on the pavement.

Just two years ago, Morsano was kept in order by four officers, due to agreements with other nearby villagers. The page asked how it was possible that “there are no longer any officers who want to come to Morsano”.