Burglary is usually a profession that requires a certain sense of urgency. Get in, grab what you can, and get out before anyone notices. A suspected burglar in Tuscany seems to have forgotten the last part.
During the night of 3–4 November, a 42-year-old man allegedly broke into a second home in Coffia, a small hamlet near Lonnano in the Casentino valley, in the province of Arezzo.
According to investigators, he forced open a window, searched the property and helped himself to several objects, including some medals. Then, apparently satisfied with his night’s work, he decided it was time for bed. Not his bed, of course. But that was hardly the first property-related misunderstanding of the evening.
The cold may have contributed to his decision. So might the flask of wine he reportedly admitted to drinking. Whatever the explanation, the suspected burglar made himself comfortable and fell asleep.
Unfortunately for him, a neighbour had noticed suspicious activity and alerted the Carabinieri. When officers arrived the following morning, they did not need to chase anyone across fields, search nearby woods or organise a complicated operation. They simply found their suspect asleep in bed.
It was, by all appearances, a burglary with an unusually generous interval between the alleged crime and the attempted getaway. In fact, there was no getaway at all. The man, of Romanian origin, had reportedly travelled from Rome hoping to find construction work and accommodation in the area. He found somewhere to sleep, although the arrangements were somewhat unconventional.
The 42-year-old was arrested and appeared before a judge, who ordered him to remain in custody. His trial on a residential burglary charge is scheduled for 25 November 2026.
For the Carabinieri, it must have been one of the more straightforward arrests of the week. As for the suspected burglar, he may have discovered the one thing worse than being caught red-handed: being caught still in bed.
❤️ Support Florence Daily News
If you liked this article, please consider supporting Florence Daily News.
We are an independent news site, free from paywalls and intrusive ads, committed to providing clear and reliable reporting on Florence and Tuscany for everyone.
Your support — whether a one-time gift or a regular contribution — helps us stay independent and keep telling the stories that matter.
Donate securely via Stripe below.
Make a one-time donation
Make a monthly donation
Make a yearly donation
Choose an amount
Or enter a custom amount
Your contribution is appreciated.
Your contribution is appreciated.
Your contribution is appreciated.