Fourth Security Van Heist Hits Foggia Province This Year
Armed assailants used explosives and hijacked a bus to steal over one million euros.
1Violent Heist in Foggia
On Tuesday morning, a group of at least four armed individuals executed a violent robbery on the SS 16 state road. The target was a Battistolli armored vehicle transporting over one million euros. This incident marks the fourth such security van heist in the Puglia province within the current calendar year.
2Escalation of Criminal Tactics
The assailants utilized war-grade weaponry, including Kalashnikovs and 12-gauge shotguns, firing at least fifty rounds at the armored van. To breach the vehicle, they deployed powerful explosives that effectively tore the rear door apart. One security guard sustained a calf injury during the intense confrontation, highlighting the increasing danger of these operations.
3Hijacking a Public Bus
To obstruct law enforcement, the bandits hijacked a Marino bus carrying two passengers. They forced the driver, Salvatore Trotta, to block the road by positioning the vehicle sideways. The driver reported being deeply traumatized by the event, noting that he was unable to even engage the handbrake due to extreme fear.
4Strategic Roadblock Methods
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 tires and torched three stolen vehicles. Firefighters later discovered an LPG cylinder inside one of the burning cars, which had been used to ignite the deliberate fires.
5Targeting Battistolli Operations
The Vicenza-based security firm Battistolli has become a frequent target for criminal syndicates in the region. Since July 2024, the company has reported sixteen separate attacks on its transport vehicles. Thirteen of these violent incidents occurred specifically within the Puglia region, indicating a persistent and highly focused threat to their logistics.
6Impact on Local Security
The brazen nature of this robbery has reignited urgent debates regarding public safety in the Foggia area. Trade unions are now demanding immediate intervention from the Ministry of the Interior. They argue that preventive measures must be implemented swiftly to protect workers and civilians before a robbery results in a fatal outcome.
7Psychological Toll on Civilians
The incident left innocent bystanders, including two passengers on the bus, in a state of severe shock. Salvatore Trotta, the bus driver, stated he would not return to work immediately due to the trauma. His experience underscores the collateral damage caused by organized criminal groups operating with total disregard for public safety.
8Regional Crime Trends
This series of heists reflects a broader trend of organized crime groups using military-grade tactics to target cash-in-transit operations. The sophistication of these attacks, involving coordinated arson and vehicle hijacking, suggests a high level of planning. Authorities are under mounting pressure to dismantle these networks and restore order to regional transit routes.
Original article: ANSA English — Fourth Security Van Heist Hits Foggia Province This Year