Striano – An episode of do-it-yourself justice almost turned into tragedy. A man, aboard a white van, was chased and stopped by a group of citizens, presumably residents of Sarno, organized into patrols to combat the growing crime episodes in the area.
Reached in Striano, the man was grabbed and attacked by the group, convinced he was involved in illegal activities. Only the timely intervention of the Municipal Police avoided the worst, putting an end to the beating.
The man was stopped for investigations, as per procedure, but was found not to have committed any crime. However, the story is only one episode in a long history of theft which are occurring precisely between Sarno and Striano where there are many single homes in the countryside.
In recent weeks, a series of thefts have occurred even with people present in the house. According to what citizens have said, these are Roma people from the camps of Scampia and Giugliano who rent cars and go through the highway toll booths. Then, once they arrive in the suburbs, they change the license plates with counterfeit ones and go to isolated places to commit thefts in houses.
“The episode reflects a situation of collective exasperation”, declared Francesco Emilio Borrelli, deputy of the Green Alliance – Left.
Sarno, which has long been under siege by criminal gangs who burgle homes, has seen many citizens organize themselves, considering the institutions' responses inadequate. "The lack of adequate control of the territory is pushing people to take justice into their own hands. It is urgent to strengthen the police force, increase surveillance and install more widespread video surveillance systems. The citizens' request for security cannot go unheard", concluded Borrelli.
Article published on 2 December 2024 - 09:31
It is a very complicated situation that shows how insecure people feel. It is wrong to take justice into your own hands, but I understand the frustration of those who live in areas where there is a lot of theft and crime.