On March 28, 2025, a dramatic armed assault unfolded on the SS1 Aurelia road near San Vincenzo in Tuscany, Italy, where two security vans belonging to the Battistolli company were targeted by a well-coordinated group of armed robbers. The incident, which occurred around 7:00 PM, involved explosions, gunfire, and subsequent fires that paralyzed traffic in the area and sent shockwaves through the local community.
The President of the Tuscany Region, Eugenio Giani, confirmed the attack via a post on Facebook, stating, "Assalto a portavalori a mano armata avvenuto sulla SS1 a San Vincenzo. Entrambe le carreggiate coinvolte e chiuse al momento, sul posto intervento in corso del sistema regionale di emergenza sanitaria, Forze dell’Ordine e Vigili del Fuoco." (Armed assault on security vans occurred on the SS1 in San Vincenzo. Both lanes are currently closed, and emergency services, law enforcement, and firefighters are on the scene.)
Witnesses reported hearing gunshots and explosions as the robbers executed their plan with military precision. According to initial investigations, the gang used a truck to block traffic on the busy road, isolating the security vans from any potential escape routes. This strategic move allowed them to approach the vans and force them open using explosives, seizing approximately 4 million euros intended for pension payments.
The security vans were en route from Cecina to the Battistolli headquarters in Grosseto, where the cash was scheduled for delivery to local post offices the following day. Fortunately, the crew members of the security vans managed to escape unharmed, and no injuries were reported during the chaotic incident.
After the assault, the robbers fled the scene at high speed along the Aurelia towards Venturina and Grosseto. It is believed they may have exited at a nearby junction to switch vehicles, potentially using unrecognizable cars to evade capture. Law enforcement agencies, including the police and carabinieri, quickly mobilized, setting up checkpoints and roadblocks across the surrounding provinces of Livorno, Grosseto, and Pisa in an effort to apprehend the suspects.
Images from the scene showed flames and thick black smoke rising into the sky, visible from several kilometers away. The dramatic visuals prompted the local community to share their shock on social media, with many expressing their disbelief over the brazen nature of the crime.
Local authorities reported that the road remained closed for several hours as emergency services worked to control the situation and investigate the crime scene. The municipality of San Vincenzo also issued a statement, confirming the road closure and detailing the ongoing response from emergency personnel. "A causa di un drammatico assalto avvenuto pochi minuti fa ad un portavalori sulla SS1 Aurelia in direzione sud all’altezza di San Vincenzo, dopo la galleria di San Carlo, entrambe le carreggiate coinvolte al momento sono chiuse," (Due to a dramatic assault that occurred a few minutes ago on a security van on the SS1 Aurelia heading south at the height of San Vincenzo, after the San Carlo tunnel, both lanes are currently closed) the statement read.
As the investigation continues, local law enforcement remains on high alert. Police are urging anyone with information about the robbery or the suspects to come forward. They have emphasized the need for public vigilance, particularly in light of the violent nature of the crime and the potential for the armed robbers to strike again.
This incident marks a concerning trend of increasing violence in armed robberies in Italy, particularly targeting cash-in-transit vehicles. The use of explosives and firearms has raised alarms among security experts and law enforcement agencies, who are now calling for enhanced security measures to protect cash transport operations.
As authorities work to track down the perpetrators, the incident has sparked discussions about the safety of cash transport in Italy, with many questioning the adequacy of current security protocols. The local community is left grappling with the aftermath of a crime that felt more like a scene from an action movie than a typical day in Tuscany.
In the days following the assault, residents of San Vincenzo and surrounding areas are likely to remain on edge, as the memory of the brazen attack lingers. The police presence in the region has been heightened, with patrols increasing to reassure the public and deter any further criminal activity.
As investigations progress, the focus will be on not only catching the bandits but also understanding how such a well-planned operation could occur without prior warning. The implications of this robbery extend beyond the immediate theft of cash; they raise significant questions about safety, security, and the effectiveness of measures currently in place to protect citizens and businesses.
In conclusion, the armed assault on the security vans on the Aurelia road stands as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by law enforcement in combating organized crime and ensuring public safety. As the investigation unfolds, the hope is that those responsible will be brought to justice swiftly, restoring a sense of security to the affected communities.
