A new attack in the Prato Sardo industrial area brought the entire area to its knees, shutting it down for over two hours and sparking security concerns among business owners and workers. This time, the State Monopoly warehouse was targeted, but this is only the latest in a long series.
Just a few days ago, unknown assailants had already broken into the safe at the ARST warehouse, once again highlighting the serious flaws in the surveillance systems. Operators are reporting an escalation of crime that has been plaguing the industrial area for months.
During the latest strike, the only access road was completely blocked. The entire area was cut off, with vehicles and people unable to enter or exit. Dozens of businesses were shut down, once again highlighting the extreme vulnerability of an area that is a key hub for Nuoro's economy.
"It's unacceptable that every time a criminal attack occurs, the entire industrial area turns into a trap. Prato Sardo is now more suited to criminals than to honest citizens and workers," denounces Giampiero Pittorra, president of the Prato Sardo Operators Consortium.
Pittorra emphasizes that the industrial area has long been without permanent police presence, especially at night, and that video surveillance, where present, is often inoperative. Making the situation even more critical is the area's fragile infrastructure: a single access and exit route poses a serious risk in emergencies, as demonstrated once again by the latest incident. Further strengthening the centrality and strategic importance of Prato Sardo is the presence of the Mauro Gigli military barracks, home to a detachment of the 152nd "Sassari" Infantry Regiment.
A military infrastructure that, paradoxically, coexists with a total lack of adequate escape routes, surveillance, and controls. For the Consortium, decisive action is essential. The operators are calling for a strengthened law enforcement presence in the area, the installation of a modern and functional surveillance camera system, and, above all, the construction of the long-awaited direct interchange onto the 131 DCN state road. This project, already planned, would finally overcome the current isolation and ensure safe and fast connections even in critical situations. The operators' consortium has formally requested an urgent meeting with the Prefect, the Mayor of Nuoro, and the Sardinia Region. The goal is to address a situation now deemed "no longer sustainable" and obtain concrete, rapid, and effective responses. Meanwhile, frustration is growing among the businesses in Prato Sardo. "We are tired of ignored alarms and broken promises. We don't want to be prisoners in our own workplace," the operators conclude.