The first incidents were reported a few weeks ago, with some attempts having failed. In recent days, fuel thefts have become a serious concern in Selargius, confirmed by the 12 reports filed in just a few hours at the Carabinieri station. "More controls are needed," is the plea for help from many Selargius residents to municipal officials and law enforcement.
Emergency
Recently, the targets, in the dead of night, were cars parked along Via Rossini, a central street also lined with an elementary school and a sports center. The street was transformed into a slick of fuel, with piles of sawdust spread between the asphalt and sidewalk to absorb the oil. Some report damages of over a thousand euros, including slashed tanks, damaged cars towed away by tow truck, and finally, the final stop at the mechanic. The heist is always carried out in the same way. "Some kids have been prowling around late at night for a while now," says Giuseppe Salis. "They used to smash the windows of cars parked on the street and steal what little was inside, now they're aiming directly at the fuel tank door." It happened on Via Bellini, Via Puccini, and recently on Via Rossini.
The witnesses
Among the victims of the series of thefts is Francesco Pilia, owner of a small car that was robbed a few nights ago on Via Puccini: "They forced the gas cap open and took the diesel fuel. Only a small amount remained, enough to allow me to get to the gas station to fill up. This street has little traffic, and at night they think they can operate undisturbed." Many claim to have identified the serial thief: "A young man in his thirties; we see him almost every night wandering around this area looking suspicious."
The investigations
Twelve reports have been filed at the local Carabinieri station in recent days. "We will intensify checks at night," they assure us from the police station on Via Lussu. But the phenomenon isn't unique to Selargius: cases have also been recorded in Sestu and Settimo San Pietro, a sign that the new frontier of thefts is perhaps linked to the steep increases in fuel prices. "We're trying to determine whether these are sporadic incidents or a widespread problem," Mayor Gigi Concu commented. "It certainly affects several municipalities, not just ours. We are, however, working closely with law enforcement, who are monitoring the situation."
