Rolex Robbery Attempt in Rome’s EUR District: One Arrested After Police Chase
Rome, June 7 – A 44-year-old Neapolitan man with a history of similar offenses was arrested on Friday afternoon in Rome’s EUR district after a high-speed chase with police. He is suspected of being part of a gang attempting to rob individuals wearing luxury watches. The incident unfolded on Via Cristoforo Colombo, at the intersection with Viale dell’Umanesimo, where three motorcyclists, wearing helmets, gloves, and anti-smog masks, were observed acting suspiciously.
Police Intercept Suspects in EUR
Law enforcement officers became suspicious when they noticed the trio on three motorcycles, with their faces obscured, scrutinizing car occupants. This behavior is typical of gangs targeting individuals for valuable watches. The suspicion was confirmed shortly after, leading to a pursuit.
During the chase, one of the suspects collided with a car and was subsequently apprehended by officers from the Esposizione police station and the Mobile Squad’s ‘Falchi’ unit. The other two accomplices managed to evade capture. The arrested individual, a 44-year-old from Naples with prior convictions for similar crimes, was taken into custody.
Court Proceedings and Ongoing Investigation
The judge for preliminary investigations (GIP) validated the arrest but released the suspect, imposing a ban on residing in Rome. Authorities believe the arrested individual and his two escaped accomplices are part of a larger gang that targets people wearing Rolex or other valuable watches, often robbing them on the street or in condominium garages. This modus operandi has been observed numerous times in Rome and other cities in recent years.
The 44-year-old has been charged with resisting a public official for fleeing from the police. Additionally, he faces charges of making false statements, as the license plate on his motorcycle, like those of his accomplices, was found to be fake. The investigation into the incident is ongoing, with authorities working to identify and apprehend the other two suspects.
Previous Incidents and Broader Context
This incident highlights a persistent issue of luxury watch robberies in Rome. Recent headlines have included cases such as the conviction of Tancredi Antoniozzi, son of a Brothers of Italy deputy, for a Rolex robbery, and a bank robbery in Ostiense by a ‘hole gang’ where bandits instructed employees to display a ‘Closed for technical reasons’ sign. Furthermore, reports have emerged about a drug cartel operating in Rome, with a killer brought in from Spain and failed ambushes, indicating a complex criminal landscape.
The police continue their efforts to combat these organized criminal activities, aiming to ensure the safety of residents and visitors in Rome. The focus remains on dismantling such gangs and bringing all perpetrators to justice.
Source: https://roma.corriere.it/notizie/cronaca/26_giugno_07/roma-eur-a-caccia-di-rolex-su-3-moto-sulla-colombo-la-polizia-li-intercetta-e-uno-va-a-sbattere-arrestato-665f3d5b-de97-48f1-b4b8-7e4379929xlk.shtml
