A daring robbery reminiscent of classic heist films unfolded on Monday in the Italian coastal region of Puglia, where a group of masked thieves executed a sophisticated attack on an armoured vehicle. The incident involved explosives, firearms, and a high-speed pursuit by local authorities, drawing comparisons to fictional depictions of criminal escapades.

Masked Gang Uses Explosives and Automatic Weapons on Highway

The heist occurred early in the morning when six masked individuals, some clad in white overalls and armed with automatic weapons, surrounded the armoured truck on a highway. Eyewitnesses documented the unfolding drama with videos capturing the armed men emerging from multiple parked vehicles. The operation escalated quickly when the robbers detonated explosives, producing a large plume of smoke and debris that filled the air.

Armoured Truck Breached, Robbers Suspected of Police Disguise

The explosion compromised the truck’s rear doors and roof, allowing the thieves to swiftly transfer its valuable cargo into waiting getaway vehicles. Notably, some of the cars were equipped with removable flashing lights, leading authorities to suspect that the robbers may have disguised themselves as law enforcement using unmarked vehicles. The owner of the armoured truck reported that it had been stolen a week prior to the robbery, suggesting a premeditated plan to obstruct the motorway.

Police Chase Turns Violent, Shots Fired at Officers

The police responded promptly, commencing a pursuit as the robbers fled the scene. During the chase, shots were fired toward law enforcement. A striking image circulating from the incident shows a police patrol car with a bullet hole visible in its windscreen, underscoring the violent nature of the exchange. Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto commented on the incident, noting that no officers or civilians were injured, attributing this to the professionalism and dedication of the police force involved.

Two Suspects Arrested as Manhunt Continues

Authorities have apprehended two individuals believed to be connected to the heist. Both suspects, hailing from Foggia in Puglia, were arrested after they abandoned a getaway vehicle and attempted to escape on foot through a nearby field. Local officials have not confirmed additional arrests, but they indicated that the police operation is still active, with one official describing the absence of injuries among law enforcement as a “miracle.”

Puglia Emerges as Hotspot for Armoured Vehicle Attacks

This incident marks a troubling trend in Puglia, which ranks second among Italian regions for attacks on armoured vehicles. According to data from Savip, the security guard union, approximately €1.6 billion in valuables have been stolen in similar incidents between 2019 and 2023. The region’s vulnerability to such attacks was further highlighted by a similar armed robbery just kilometers from the latest heist, where thieves targeted a haul valued at €3 million in 2024.

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