# Vehicle tire-slashing theft scams in Italy

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/vehicle-tire-slashing-theft-scams-in-italy
> Updated: 2026-08-29T04:25:00.000Z. Sources: 2. Developments: 2.

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.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-29: 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 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rimini-theft-san-marino-citizen-targeted-by-flat-tire-scam

### 2026-08-04: 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.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/azzate-parking-scam-cut-tire-used-to-steal-purse

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Cite as: Vehicle tire-slashing theft scams in Italy. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/vehicle-tire-slashing-theft-scams-in-italy