In a surprising twist within Rome’s criminal underworld, a gang comprising individuals in their 60s and 70s, notorious for their daring armed robberies, has been apprehended by Italian police. This seasoned group of thieves had made a name for themselves through a string of sophisticated burglaries targeting post offices across the city.
The Masterminds and Their Meticulous Heists
The gang was led by 70-year-old Italo De Witt, also known as “the German,” famed for a notable bank heist near the Spanish Steps in the mid-90s. Alongside him, a 75-year-old served as the lookout, keeping vigilant eyes during their operations. Their accomplices included a 68-year-old primary operative and a 66-year-old responsible for acquiring key replicas to gain entry into the post offices. To ensure a stealthy entrance, two masons in their early 50s were employed to breach the walls of their targets discreetly.
The San Giovanni Heist: A Notable Operation
One of their most significant hauls occurred in May of the previous year when the gang successfully pilfered almost €200,000 from a post office in the San Giovanni district. Armed and audacious, two members threatened an employee refilling the ATM, executing a well-planned robbery that added to their infamy.
Foiled Plans and Health Setbacks
Despite their string of successes, not all their plans came to fruition. One of the gang members, aged 66, faced personal health challenges, specifically incontinence issues, which hindered their criminal activities and even thwarted a planned robbery, highlighting the vulnerabilities that come with age.
The End of an Era
Their criminal spree was eventually halted following a botched attempt at a post office in the Don Bosco area. Caught on camera, this failed operation led to the arrest of the six members on charges of armed robbery, marking the end of their notorious career in Rome’s criminal circles.
A Blast from the Past
These elderly criminals, well-known to the police for their past deeds, exemplified that age is but a number when it comes to crime. The gang’s audacity and the sophisticated nature of their operations serve as a stark reminder of the diverse profiles that inhabit the underworld, with the arrest of De Witt and his accomplices closing a chapter in Rome’s criminal history.
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