A car tyre deliberately slashed, the driver getting out to check what happened, and a thief seizing those few unguarded moments to strike. That is reportedly what happened in recent days to a San Marino resident in Rimini, in the area of piazzale Pascoli.
The victim himself recounted the episode in a social media post. After getting into his car, the man noticed that the rear right tyre was completely flat. He then got out to see what had happened.
It reportedly took the thief only a handful of seconds. While the San Marino man was inspecting the tyre, the bum bag he had left on the passenger seat disappeared. Inside were his documents, bank card and mobile phone. The card was blocked immediately.
The theft was apparently only discovered once he got back behind the wheel. The dynamic recalls the so-called “flat tyre scam,” a method used to distract drivers and quickly snatch bags or other items left unattended inside the vehicle.
This is not a new tactic in Rimini. Similar reports have emerged in past years as well, with cases in which tyres were deliberately damaged specifically to lure victims away from their cars for a moment.
The State Police advise avoiding leaving valuables visible inside a car and, when faced with unusual or suspicious situations, to contact law enforcement immediately.
