Dawn operation in Foggia: gang specialized in thefts with explosives defeated
At the first light of dawn, the State Police of Foggia carried out a measure to arrest a crime suspect issued by the Public Prosecutor’s Office of Foggia against eight people, all subjected to preliminary investigations for criminal association aimed at the commission of various crimes including aggravated theft from post office machines and ATMs, robbery, theft in commercial establishments, possession of weapons and manufacture of homemade explosive devices called “marmots”. These devices, similar to shovels loaded with explosives, have been used to damage ATMs and access cash deposits.
The operation, which involved around 80 agents, took place in Cerignola and was conducted by the Flying Squad of the Foggia Police Headquarters with the support of other flying teams and specialized departments such as the Central Operational Service of the Central Anti-Crime Directorate of the Department of Public Security, the PS Police Station of Cerignola, the Crime Prevention Departments, the Scientific Police and the State Police Dog Trackers.
The investigations, which began last February following a series of armed robberies that had caused great social alarm in Cerignola, made it possible to identify a criminal group dedicated mainly to thefts from ATMs, operating not only in the province of Foggia but also in Basilicata , Campania and Abruzzo.
The group’s modus operandi was well organised: before acting, they carefully studied the areas of interest, escape routes and video surveillance cameras. They used powerful cars, often stolen or rented, to ensure a quick escape. After the thefts, the stolen goods, such as scratch cards and tobacco, were resold.
During the investigations, several rudimentary devices, wigs, burglary tools and approximately 11 kg of explosives were seized. The recovered stolen cars were returned to their rightful owners.
The case is still in the preliminary investigation phase. After the execution of the pre-cautionary measures, the GIP will have to evaluate their validation. It is important to underline that those involved are currently under investigation and cannot be considered guilty until a final conviction has been reached.
