Shop window smashed in Florence centre, theft filmed by international tourist

A shop in central Florence was targeted in a smash-and-grab theft on the evening of Tuesday, 31 March, in Borgo de’ Greci, a street in the historic centre a short walk from Piazza Santa Croce.

According to initial information, a man broke the display window of the store “Leonardo Leather and Gold” and stole handbags and jewellery that were on display. The incident took place in an area with a steady presence of residents and visitors, including in the evening hours.

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The scene was witnessed by a foreign visitor, reportedly an American tourist, who filmed the episode on her mobile phone. Her voice can be heard in the recording as she reacts and tries to intervene while the theft is taking place.

The video, later shared on social media and published on Instagram, is embedded in this article. It documents the theft and captures the tourist’s reaction in real time.

The man reportedly responded aggressively before leaving the scene with the stolen items.

Carabinieri officers arrived shortly afterwards, but the suspect had already fled. Investigations are ongoing, also based on the footage recorded during the incident.

The episode adds to a series of recent thefts and break-ins reported in Florence’s historic centre, an area with a high concentration of shops and a constant flow of tourists throughout the day and evening.

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