A wave of thefts in Sulcis has prompted residents to organize patrols: a white van is being hunted.

A wave of thefts is raising tensions in several towns in the Sulcis region. And now the manhunt is on. Or rather, for the suspected gang that, according to numerous witnesses , is operating out of a white van.

The last robbery of the evening (at least among those already reported) was attempted in Tratalias. "A short while ago, on Via Aldo Moro, two hooded youths wearing dark sweatshirts attempted to break into a home. Thanks to the intervention of neighbors, the burglary was foiled," Mayor Emanuele Pes wrote on social media. "The criminals fled in a white van. We urge all citizens to be vigilant and immediately report to the authorities any suspicious person or unusual vehicle in the area, especially at unusual times. Our strength lies in citizen cooperation. Let's help each other track down and stop these thieves. Spread the word, especially to those with elderly relatives or homes closed down because they've emigrated. Prevention starts with us. Thank you all for your vigilance and civic-mindedness."

Other similar incidents, which benefited criminals, have occurred in Sant'Antioco, Perdaxius, Carbonia, and other surrounding towns. One example is Narcao, where a car was stolen from the parking lot of a discount store.

During the night between Wednesday and Thursday , numerous residents, some armed with clubs, surrounded the Church of the Blessed Virgin of the Rosary in Villaperuccio. The thieves reportedly barricaded themselves in the church before fleeing. Another parish church was robbed in Santadi.

The mayor of Sant'Antioco, Ignazio Locci, issued a video appeal: "Predatory crimes and impunity for those who commit them, a sense of insecurity among citizens, and a security risk. This morning (and not for the first time) I met with a group of citizens who expressed to me their sense of insecurity due to the repeated and intolerable predatory crimes that are now occurring daily." The mayor called for state intervention to ensure security. "Otherwise, the institutions will have no choice but to watch helplessly as citizens organize to guard their property, and we can only stand in solidarity with them."

Enrico Fresu