Potenza: Carabinieri intercept a gang specializing in catalytic converter theft; three arrested.

THEintensification of territorial control services, arranged by the Provincial Command of the Carabinieri of Potenza, continues to produce significant results in contrast to the predatory crime. In this operational context, aimed at secure the access roads to the capital and to prevent incursions from outside the region, the military Radiomobile of the Potenza Company They conducted a decisive intervention last night. Three citizens of Bulgarian nationality, aged between 24 and 34 years and residents in the province of Caserta, were arrested red-handed on charges of aggravated theft in competition.

During a night patrol in the capital, the Carabinieri noticed a Nissan SUV with tinted windows, which was then rented, to wander around with suspicious attitude near one Fiat Ulisse parkedThe immediate intervention of the crew led to the vehicle block and during a search of the passenger compartment. The following were found under the passenger seat:

• three muffler catalysts, one of which had just been stolen from the parked car;

• un cric idraulico;

• a professional pipe cutting chain.

All the stolen goods were seized. The nature of the stolen goods is not accidental: the catalytic converter theft It is a constantly increasing phenomenon throughout Italy. These components include precious metals including rhodium, palladium and platinum, whose high value fuels a thriving illicit market managed by highly specialized groups.

The operation therefore takes on a strategic relief: hit one of the “car's battery performance” dedicated to criminal commuting, often coming from the Caserta and Naples areas, significantly reduces the operational capacity of the groups that carry out night raids in Basilicata and in the surrounding regions. After the usual formalities, the three detainees were transferred to the Potenza prison, while the vehicle and the stolen goods were seized.

Il GIP of the Court of Potenza has subsequently validated the arrests and arranged:

• obligation to remain in the municipality of residence;

• obligation to stay at home at night;

• submission requirement to the Judicial Police.

The operation represents a concrete and timely response of the Arma to the security needs of the territory. In fact, it intercepts a criminal modus operandi particularly insidious, requiring constant investigative activity and a widespread presence of the police force to protect citizens.