Naples, hunt for the men of the 'gang of the hole' after the third robbery

 Naples. The hunt is on for the three bandits from the "gang del buco" who this morning committed the spectacular robbery of the Trucchi jewelry store in Piazza Santa Caterina a Chiaia, a short walk from Piazza dei Martiri, in the heart of Naples. The three robbers wore anti-smog masks and miner's caps to hide their faces. After digging a tunnel underground, they broke through the floor, surprising the three employees who had just arrived for work. They pinned them down with plastic cable ties and forced them to the floor, but not before having the manager open the safe. They took the jewelry inside and the items still on the counter, waiting to be displayed in the windows. The robbers fled as the police arrived, and to outrun the investigators, they threw smoke and tear gas. The interior of the store is under video surveillance, and the footage has been acquired by the police conducting the investigation. It is hoped they will find useful clues. It is certain that they are professionals. This is the first time that tear gas has been used to cover an escape.

They used the owner as a shield, holding him hostage for a few minutes to prevent the police from entering, and then threw smoke bombs to get away without any problems, thus obstructing the officers' entry. After the robbery - the robbers went away underground even though one of the four - or perhaps the 'lookout' who was waiting outside - was seen walking away. This is the third robbery in less than a week by the gang from the hole. They used the same technique to first rob a bank in Piazza Carità and then the post office in Via Pontano. The bandits who attacked the "Trucchi" jewelry store in Piazza S. Caterina a Chiaia, Naples, this morning at opening time, reportedly took away only a few valuables. The robbery plan was reportedly partly compromised by the arrival of the Police, who quickly converged on patrol cars and "Falchi" patrols. According to the police, three criminals acted, one of whom was armed with a gun, who emerged from inside the jewelry store from the basement. To cover their escape, the bandits, who continued through the basement, lit some smoke bombs. During the escape of the criminals, numerous passers-by, who saw the Falchi squad cars and motorcycles approaching, who were wearing bulletproof vests, took refuge in the doorways and nearby shops, some of which closed their doors.