Chinese and Italian police officers share a moment during a joint patrol in Rome May 2, 2016. [Photo/Xinhua]

In Milan's Chinatown, in the northern part of the Italian business capital, between 70 and 80 percent of shops are run by Chinese owners, but around 80 percent of residents are Italian.

"My flower kiosk is in the open air, and it is very important for me to feel safe every day," said Nicola Leuci, owner of a flower shop.

Patrizia Facchinotti, owner of a fruit and vegetable market in the same district, said, "I think Chinese policemen can definitely help. And they speak Mandarin, which is a fundamental tool to communicate with many Chinese citizens here."

Contact the writer at zhang_yi@chinadaily.com.cn

Xinhua contributed to this story.