A large-scale police operation against youth crime, launched nationwide on August 22, concluded yesterday.
The operation, coordinated by the central operations service and conducted by the Police Headquarters' Mobile Squads with the support of the Crime Prevention Units, targeted young people—often minors—involved in crimes against persons, property, drug dealing, and weapons possession.
The toll is high: 62,822 people identified, of whom 10,605 are minors , especially in drug dealing areas, so-called “movida” areas, shopping centres, public places and beach resorts.
160 of them are being checked for the possible adoption of preventive measures, such as banning them from accessing urban areas.
During the operation, 283 adults and 22 minors were arrested, accused of crimes ranging from assault to drug dealing to illegal possession of weapons. Furthermore, 81 pre-trial detention orders were executed for adults and 6 placements in juvenile institutions for minors , as well as one home confinement order.
In total, 1,110 adults and 180 minors were reported at large .
The searches targeted 829 properties, including 58 reception facilities for unaccompanied foreign minors, 136 arcades, and 464 commercial establishments. Among the most significant seizures were: 19 kg of cocaine, 1 kg of heroin, and 79 kg of cannabinoids, as well as doses of shaboo, ecstasy, MDMA, benzodiazepines, and precision scales; two rifles, 36 pistols, and related ammunition; 89 knives and improper weapons, including two katanas, a baseball bat, a telescopic truncheon, batons, knuckle dusters, tasers, pepper spray, box cutters, and burglary tools.
Numerous stolen items were also recovered: necklaces, jewelry, watches, cell phones, ATM cards, and fake or stolen documents. Among the seizures was a counterfeit Guardia di Finanza (Financial Police) ID card.
During the operation, 1,300 social media profiles were monitored , five of which were flagged for content inciting hatred, physical violence—including against law enforcement—and the use of weapons. The content will be forwarded to the judiciary for possible suppression.
According to police reports , some of the young people involved in the activities belong to groups linked to the so-called “maranza”, a youth subculture often associated with aggressive behaviour and the display of symbols of power or violence.
(Unioneonline/Fr.Me.)
