Naples: Tourist snatchers in the historic center arrested

Naples – The alleged perpetrators of the snatch thefts that have shaken the heart of Naples in recent months have been identified and arrested. Acting on behalf of the Naples Public Prosecutor's Office, the State Police executed a precautionary detention order issued by the investigating judge of the Court of Naples.

The addressees of the provision are 48-year-old Eduardo Pezzella and 26-year-old Gaetano Starace, both Neapolitans, seriously suspected of snatching theft.

The raid against tourists on Via dei Tribunali

The investigation has allowed them to reconstruct the dynamics of a violent episode dating back to February 21st. According to investigators, the two men allegedly targeted an elderly English tourist as she was walking on the corner of Via dei Tribunali and Via San Paolo.

Pezzella allegedly forcibly ripped the gold necklace from the woman's neck, then fled on a scooter driven by his accomplice, Starace. In a desperate attempt to stop the attackers, the victim's husband fell heavily to the ground, sustaining several injuries.

The second attack and the forensic investigations

The pair's operations, however, were not limited to the robbery targeting British tourists. 26-year-old Gaetano Starace is accused of a second robbery, which occurred on April 17th on Via Sapienza, targeting a young man.

The two were caught thanks to the immediate and thorough investigations conducted by the anti-crime team of the "Decumani" police station , who, through the analysis of witness statements and video footage, were able to gather evidence of responsibility against the suspects.

Please note that the order executed is a precautionary measure issued during the preliminary investigation. The recipients, who are presumed innocent until a final verdict, are entitled to appeal.