Fourth Security Van Heist Hits Foggia Province
Armed group steals over one million euros using explosives and hijacked bus tactics.
1Violent Heist in Puglia
On November 10, a commando group executed a violent robbery on the SS 16 state road in Foggia. This marks the fourth security van heist in the province this year. The attackers targeted a Battistolli armored vehicle, successfully stealing over one million euros while using heavy weaponry to intimidate the guards.
2Escalating Criminal Tactics
The assailants utilized war-grade weapons, including Kalashnikovs and 12-gauge shotguns, firing at least fifty rounds at the armored van. To breach the vehicle, they deployed powerful explosives that tore the rear door apart. One security guard sustained a calf injury during the intense confrontation, highlighting the increasing danger faced by transport personnel.
3Hijacking Public Transport
To delay law enforcement, the bandits hijacked a Marino bus carrying two passengers. They forced the driver, Salvatore Trotta, to block the road by positioning the bus sideways. The passengers and driver were left shaken but physically unharmed, though the psychological impact of the encounter has forced the driver to take leave.
4Strategic Road Obstruction
Beyond the bus hijacking, the criminals employed multiple diversionary tactics to secure their escape. They scattered three-pointed spikes across the asphalt to puncture police vehicle tires. Additionally, they torched three stolen cars, one of which contained an LPG cylinder used to accelerate the fires, effectively blocking access for responding emergency services.
5Targeting Battistolli Operations
The Vicenza-based firm Battistolli has become a frequent target for criminal organizations in the region. This incident represents the sixteenth attack on one of their vehicles since July 2024. Notably, thirteen of these violent heists have occurred specifically within the Puglia region, indicating a concentrated threat to their cash-in-transit logistics.
6Regional Security Concerns
The frequency of these attacks has reignited intense public debate regarding local security measures in Foggia. Trade unions are now demanding urgent intervention from the Ministry of the Interior. They argue that current protective protocols are insufficient and warn that further inaction could lead to fatalities among security guards or civilians.
7The Human Cost
The trauma experienced by the bus driver and his two passengers underscores the broader societal impact of these organized crimes. Salvatore Trotta described the event as a horrific experience, noting his initial fear of death. Such incidents disrupt public transit and create a climate of instability for commuters traveling through the area.
8Future Security Outlook
As investigations continue, the focus shifts to whether authorities can implement more robust preventive strategies. The use of military-grade equipment by criminal groups suggests a high level of organization and preparation. Future security efforts must address these sophisticated tactics to ensure the safety of both transit workers and the general public.
Original article: ANSA English — Fourth Security Van Heist Hits Foggia Province