The end of December is a time of gifts and presents, and for some, an idling freight train loaded with cars was exactly that. In anticipation of Christmas, the train stopped just north of Milan, where it was parked for three weeks. Attentive observers with malicious intent made sure to jump on the opportunity.
Part of the parked train was very much in sight of the general public. It was parked at a dedicated freight area of Desio station, but the train was so long that it also stood still right above a busy national highway. Not long after the train was left idling, thieves noticed it was left abandoned and began to loot the cars, according to Italian media. They were headed towards an automotive hub in Piadena, but many cars did not arrive intact.
“First the bumpers, then the windows, all the way up to the internal electronic parts. Between one raid and another, there are those who even vandalise the bodywork”, write Italian media. The extent of the damage is unknown.