Vandals at Marenita, extensive damage

Damage amounting to at least €10,000 (this is the initial estimate) and the feeling of being confronted by groups of young people "determined to take on the challenge." That is, with little fear and even less understanding of the consequences they will face. Last night, a group of about fifteen young people targeted the Marenita restaurant on Viale Gramsci in Milano Marittima. The owner, Federico (who asked that his last name not be published), recounted how things unfolded. "I closed the restaurant between 2 and 2:30. Around 3:30, I received a call from the Carabinieri, who, passing by the restaurant, saw that the front door had been broken down," recounted the entrepreneur, who is well acquainted with the nightlife scene, "where I've worked for about 25 years."

The fifteen youths—"based on the audio recorded by the cameras, they're either Italian or at least speak our language perfectly; they're all very young, I don't think they're adults"—first easily broke down the front door, which leads to the outdoor area, and then, using other objects found in the restaurant, broke down two other, much sturdier doors, breaking the glass. The fact that these youths were only out to cause unnecessary damage is demonstrated by their complete disregard for the section of the restaurant where fine wines are sold, as well as the cash register. They simply stole an open bottle of red wine, four beers, and several bottles of spirits. The entrepreneur will soon file a complaint with law enforcement.

The damage was significant—as mentioned, it's in the region of €10,000—but business continued (yesterday the shop was open as usual). By 2:30 a.m. on Friday night, "thanks to the glazier's intervention, the windows had already been replaced." Federico adds that "similar cases had never happened to me before. I don't understand why the alarm wasn't raised." That said, "in Milano Marittima, nothing has changed compared to the past. It's not that things are worse now. We, the business owners (with a low-quality offer, ed.), were the ones who let these people into our homes."

Luca Bertaccini

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Baby gang vandalism