Suspect Uncaught for Months Amid Speculation
Neighbor's Dog 'Billy' Revealed as Culprit
Likely Bitten Due to Severe Gingivitis Pain
The culprit behind the 'late-night vehicle tire puncture spree' in Molise, southern Italy, has been caught, and it turned out to be a dog.
According to Italy's public broadcaster RAI and others on the 5th (local time), in the historic district of Bastogiardi in the Molise region, incidents of parked vehicle tires being punctured have continued for several months.
Since the first damage report was received in July, the police launched an investigation but found no trace of the culprit.
At the end of October, four vehicles in the same area were consecutively damaged. The police even went undercover in civilian clothes to catch the culprit but found nothing.
As the case went cold, various speculations ran rampant in Bastogiardi, a town with about 600 residents.
Rumors spread, including 'conflicts among residents' or 'a mafia member deliberately puncturing tires to threaten someone.'
With no results from stakeouts, the police installed surveillance cameras around the affected area and finally identified the culprit last week.
The culprit was a dog named 'Billy,' who lived near where the damaged vehicles were parked. Surveillance footage clearly showed Billy relentlessly biting the tires of several vehicles.
Veterinarians who observed Billy's behavior speculated that it might be due to 'dental problems.' They explained that Billy bit the tires hard to relieve pain caused by severe gingivitis.
After inquiries, the police found Billy's owner. It was also reported that the owner's vehicle tires had been punctured.
The media stated, "Nevertheless, the dog owner must take responsibility and compensate for the damages."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
