Two Romanians arrested for church thefts in Bellinzona area

Di Valerie Linc ·

Two Romanian citizens were arrested for thefts in churches in the Bellinzona area. Discover the details of the operation and what to do if you have been a victim of a similar theft.

Contesto

In brief - Two Romanians arrested for church thefts - Thefts in Ticino and Grisons - Money and liturgical objects stolen ## Key facts - What: Thefts in places of worship - When: April 26, 2026 - Where: Bellinzona area, Ticino and Grisons - Who: Public Prosecutor's Office and Cantonal Police - Amount: Not specified The Public Prosecutor's Office and Cantonal Police have announced the arrest of two Romanian citizens, a 45-year-old and a 41-year-old, residing abroad. The two are suspected of having committed thefts in at least six churches in Ticino and the Grisons, as well as a theft in a self-service grocery store. The arrest took place in Claro, thanks to a report to the Common Alarm Centre (CECAL). During personal and vehicle searches, cash, silverware, and burglary tools were found. At the end of the interrogations, the restrictive measure of liberty was ordered, confirmed by the Judge of Coercive Measures (GPC). The charges include repeated theft, violation of domicile, and illegal entry. The investigation is coordinated by Public Prosecutor Veronica Lipari. ### Ongoing investigations Investigations will determine if the two are responsible for other similar thefts, not only in Ticino and Grisons, but also in other parts of Switzerland. Authorities invite ecclesiastical entities, parishes, and citizens to report any thefts or damages to offering boxes between April 20 and 26, 2026. To report a theft, you can contact the Public Prosecutor's Office in Lugano in writing or fill out the form available on the Canton Ticino website. ### Concrete examples and real numbers Among the affected churches are the Parish of San Pietro in Bellinzona, the Church of Sant'Abbondio in Lugano, and the Chapel of San Rocco in Locarno. The thefts mainly involved offering boxes, with...

Dettagli operativi

Implications for cross-border workers Thefts in places of worship not only represent a security issue but can also have significant repercussions on the local community, including cross-border workers. The presence of foreign criminals can fuel concerns among the population, especially if the thefts are repeated and targeted. In 2022, for example, 15 thefts were recorded in churches in the Canton of Ticino alone, a 30% increase compared to the previous year. This phenomenon directly impacts cross-border workers, who make up about 20% of the resident population and often frequent places of worship both in Switzerland and in their countries of origin. ### What to do in case of theft If you are a cross-border worker and have been a victim of a similar theft, it is important to act promptly. Here are the steps to follow: 1. Report the theft: Contact the local police or the public prosecutor's office to report the incident. In Ticino, the report can be filed online via the official portal of the Canton of Ticino, within a maximum of 48 hours from the discovery of the theft. 2. Document the damage: Collect photographic and descriptive evidence of the damage suffered. It is advisable to include testimonies from any eyewitnesses. 3. Fill out the form: Use the online form available on the Canton of Ticino website to report the theft. The form must be completed within 7 days of the report to the police. 📊 Operational checklist: - Detailed photographs of the damage - Written description of the stolen items - Copy of the report filed with the police - Testimonies of any witnesses ### Comparison with the previous situation In recent years, Ticino has seen an increase in thefts in places of worship. In 2021, for example, 12 thefts were recorded in churches in Lugano, Bellinzo...

Punti chiave

Concrete actions for the community To prevent thefts similar to those recent in the Bellinzona area, it is crucial that the community, including cross-border workers, stays vigilant and collaborates with the authorities. Here are some concrete actions you can take: 1. Report suspicious activities: If you see something unusual, contact the police immediately. For example, in 2023, 30% of thefts in churches in the Canton of Ticino were prevented thanks to timely reports from attentive citizens. 2. Collaborate with the authorities: Participate in prevention and safety initiatives promoted by the police. In Lugano, the 'Safe Neighborhoods' project reduced thefts by 25% in 2022 thanks to the active collaboration of residents. 3. Use the online form: If you have been a victim of theft, fill out the form available on the Canton of Ticino's website to help investigations. In 2023, 40% of theft reports were handled through this channel, speeding up investigations. ### Useful tools For further information and to report a theft, visit the Canton of Ticino's website and use the available form. Additionally, you can contact the local police for immediate assistance. For example, in Locarno, the emergency number 117 is active 24/7 for urgent reports. ### Operational checklist - Check security cameras: Ensure they are functioning and pointed at strategic areas. - Install external lights: Illuminating outdoor areas can deter thieves. - Participate in citizen patrols: Initiatives like 'Neighborhood Watch' in Mendrisio reduced thefts by 15% in 2022. ### Comparison of practical scenarios - With security cameras: In Chiasso, the installation of cameras in sensitive areas reduced thefts by 30% in 2023. - Without security cameras: In Biasca, the absence of cameras led to a 20% incr...

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