Italian police drones scour tourist hot-spot for illegal air con units

The mayor of Portofino – which counts Madonna among its visitors – declares war on the unsightly devices as temperatures soar

One of Italy’s most picturesque coastal towns is mounting patrols and flying drones to detect air conditioning units illegally installed by locals struggling in temperatures of 40C.
The mayor of Portofino says the units are unsightly and are being put up without permission. Residents hide them on terraces and rooftops – and some even paint them to blend in with their surroundings.
The noisy units work to cool homes which are baking in the intense heatwave that has blanketed Italy since the start of August.
Local police are patrolling the town’s narrow streets and alleyways, using drones to check for air con units installed without permission, said Matteo Viacava, the mayor.
For those who are successfully prosecuted in the courts, there are stiff fines as high as €50,000 (£43,000).
The campaign against illegal air con boxes has led to “vendettas”, with residents who dob in their neighbours being denounced themselves in turn, according to Corriere della Sera newspaper. 
“You reported me, so now I’m going to report you,” is the prevailing spirit in the resort town, renowned for its pastel-coloured waterfront houses, compact harbour, winding lanes and superyachts.
Portofino is a favourite with celebrities: Madonna was photographed arriving in the town recently, reportedly to attend a party thrown by Dolce and Gabbana, the couture company.
The authorities in the tiny town have received around 40 complaints about illegally installed units, and more are expected as tempers fray in the roasting heat.
“Portofino is situated in a regional nature park and we have certain obligations to respect,” the mayor said. “That’s why we are carrying out these checks.”
He also has his sights set on a new target: satellite dishes. “It is not sustainable to have so many,” he told Corriere della Sera. Cracking down on these “will also help preserve the integrity of the town”.