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2 clusters · 2 sources · 25 days · First seen · Last updated

Vehicle tire-slashing theft scams in Italy

Overview

Reports have emerged regarding a recurring distraction theft method involving slashed vehicle tires in various Italian locations.

In Azzate, Lombardy, three suspects—a woman and two men—deliberately punctured a Renault Clio tire at a supermarket parking lot. As the owner attempted to replace the tire, the perpetrators stole a purse from the vehicle.

A similar incident occurred in Rimini, where a citizen from San Marino was targeted in the Piazzale Pascoli area. After a tire was intentionally slashed, a thief entered the vehicle and stole a bag containing a mobile phone, documents, and a bank card.

Law enforcement authorities have issued warnings regarding these ‘flat tire scams,’ advising motorists to remain vigilant, avoid leaving valuables visible in vehicles, and report suspicious activity immediately.

Entities

Carabinieri · Azzate · Piazzale Pascoli · State Police · Rimini

Timeline

  1. 23 days ago

    [CRIME] 2 sources
    Rimini theft: San Marino citizen targeted by flat tire scam

    A San Marino citizen was robbed in Rimini using a ‘flat tire scam,’ where a slashed tire was used to distract the driver while a thief stole a bag from the vehicle.

  2. about 2 months ago

    [CRIME] 2 sources
    Azzate parking scam: cut tire used to steal purse

    Three people cut a tyre of a Renault Clio in Azzate, stole a purse, and were reported to the Carabinieri; drivers are warned of similar parking scams.

Sources

insider.sm · sanmarinortv.sm