Milan riots: Looters flee with sacks of stolen goods

Unusual footage from Italy shows people running through the streets carrying large sacks stuffed with merchandise, in scenes reminiscent of cartoon burglars. The images have drawn attention against the backdrop of a wave of looting that took place in recent days in Milan, during which young people broke into shops, emptied shelves and fled with goods.

On October 17 and 18, violent riots broke out in Milan during protests against the high cost of living and complaints about inadequate public services. The demonstration, which began peacefully, deteriorated into clashes with police as masked protesters threw stones and objects at officers, set up burning barricades and smashed shop windows in the city centre.

Chaos in Italy: Looters flee police with sacks of stolen goods (Photo: Social media)

Among the businesses looted were the Decathlon sports chain, an Arcteryx shop and Vodafone mobile phone stores. Other businesses were also damaged, and shop owners in central Milan rushed to close their shutters and cover display windows with wooden boards and cardboard, fearing a renewed outbreak of violence.

The riots were not confined to Milan alone. Clashes were also recorded in Bologna, Turin and other cities in northern Italy. In Milan, police deployed crowd-dispersal measures including tear gas and water cannons.

According to police reports from October 19, 271 young people were detained during the events in Milan. Thirty-two of them were arrested, including 23 minors and 13 foreign nationals. Police also reported injuries among law enforcement officers.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned the violence, and the government discussed additional measures to deal with the public disorder. Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini announced that the state intends to send an additional 500 soldiers to Milan, with the aim of strengthening security in the city.