Fine and ban for Dutch citizen caught in Piazza Navona fountain.

A 36-year-old Dutch citizen was fined €550 after being caught in the act of taking coins out of the Fontana del Moro in Piazza Navona at dawn on 14 July.

When Rome police discovered the man in the waters of the 16th-century fountain, he attempted to hide the money which was duly seized by the officers.

In addition to the €550 fine, the offender recived a "daspo" or temporary ban from returning to the area, under the city's new regulations.

Designed by Giacomo della Porta in 1575 with the dolphin and four Tritons, the statue of the moor - by Gian Lorenzo Bernini - was added in 1653, giving the fountain its current name.

The news comes as the city begins restricting visitors from sitting at the Trevi Fountain.