Villanova di Castenaso, Bologna – A failed burglary attempt at an Extracoop supermarket overnight led to a dangerous situation for motorists as suspects deployed makeshift road spikes in an effort to impede responding law enforcement. The incident, which occurred on February 16, 2026, involved the placement of three spiked chains on roads leading to the commercial center, causing damage to vehicles and briefly endangering a police patrol.
The attempted break-in targeted the cash machine inside the Extracoop Centro Nova, located on Via Villanova. While the suspects failed to gain access to the funds, their tactics created a significant hazard for drivers. Police are currently investigating and working to identify those responsible for the incident, which has raised concerns about public safety in the area.
One motorist recounted a harrowing experience, describing a sudden jolt while driving near the “Rotonda Italia” roundabout, close to the A14 motorway exit 11. “It was 3:50 AM, and I felt a shock as I approached the roundabout,” the driver stated, reporting significant damage to his vehicle, including four slashed tires. Extracoop Centro Nova is a popular shopping destination in the area.
The driver further explained that he attempted to warn other drivers, successfully alerting some to the danger. He similarly prevented a scooter rider from continuing onto the spiked chain, potentially averting a serious accident. “If that scooter had hit the spikes, it could have been a tragedy,” he said.
Road Spikes Damage Vehicles, Police Cruiser
The improvised road spikes caused damage not only to civilian vehicles but also to a Carabinieri patrol vehicle responding to the initial alarm at the supermarket. Despite the obstruction, officers were able to reach the scene and prevent the burglary from succeeding, forcing the suspects to flee. The spiked chain recovered from the Rotonda Italia has been seized by police as evidence. Promoqui provides additional information about the store.
Elena Foresti, a councilor from Fratelli d’Italia, condemned the incident as “a very serious and worrying event” that “could have been tragic, especially if a motorcycle had passed by.” She expressed gratitude for the swift response of law enforcement and urged authorities to quickly apprehend those responsible.
Extracoop Confirms Normal Operations
Despite the overnight incident, Extracoop Centro Nova was open for business as usual on February 16, 2026, operating under its regular hours of 8:30 AM to 9:00 PM. Centro Nova, the shopping center housing the supermarket, confirmed that the store was operating normally. The supermarket offers a range of services, including an app for scanning products and accessing promotions.
The incident highlights the increasing lengths to which criminals are willing to go to avoid capture, and the potential danger posed to the public. Authorities are appealing for any information that may lead to the identification and arrest of the suspects.
Investigations are ongoing, and police are reviewing security footage from the area to gather further evidence. The focus remains on identifying the individuals involved and understanding their motives. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and reporting any suspicious activity to the authorities.
What comes next will depend on the progress of the police investigation. Authorities will likely increase patrols in the area and work with local businesses to enhance security measures. The community awaits further updates as the investigation unfolds.
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