Fear Grips Pratola Peligna Following Recent Burglaries and Disturbing Incidents

Pratola Peligna, Italy – Residents of Pratola Peligna are experiencing heightened anxiety following a series of criminal activities, including burglaries targeting elderly residents and a disturbing harassment incident involving a local councilwoman. Authorities are investigating these events, seeking to reassure the community and apprehend those responsible.

Recent Burglaries Target Vulnerable Residents

In February 2023, a violent robbery occurred in Pratola Peligna, targeting two 90-year-old residents. According to initial reports, the perpetrators drilled through a window to gain entry while the homeowners were present. The thieves stole gold jewelry and cash before fleeing when the elderly residents raised the alarm. RaiNews reported that the victims stated the criminals appeared to have prior knowledge of the property.

Just a week prior to this incident, thieves reportedly posed as prospective renters to gain access to a property, subsequently stealing jewelry, cash, and a mobile phone from the upper floor. RaiNews

Celebration-Time Burglaries in 2025

More recently, in May 2025, two burglaries occurred in Pratola Peligna during the celebrations for the Madonna della Libera. One incident involved a house on Via Alessandro Volta, where thieves stole approximately €20,000 worth of jewelry, gold ornaments, and cash. Despite the presence of an alarm system, the thieves acted quickly, prompting a response from the Sulmona company carabinieri. Il Messaggero reported that the alarm system was insufficient to prevent the burglary.

A second incident occurred in Molina Aterno, where thieves entered a home by breaking a window. Upon discovering a surveillance system connected to the owner’s phone, they abandoned their attempt. Il Messaggero

Councilwoman Harassed in Public

In April 2025, Pratola Peligna municipal councilwoman Lucia Margiotta reported being repeatedly harassed by a man while walking along Via Genova. The man, driving an older model Audi A4, allegedly asked her to enter his vehicle and continued to follow her after she refused, even persisting after she began running towards the town square. Il Messaggero reports that Margiotta provided a partial license plate number to the carabinieri, who are investigating the incident using city surveillance footage.

Ongoing Investigations and Community Concerns

The carabinieri of the Sulmona company and the Pratola station are actively investigating all reported incidents. Authorities are reviewing surveillance footage to identify suspects and reassure residents. The recent events have raised concerns within the community, particularly regarding the safety of vulnerable individuals and those traveling alone at night. Councilwoman Margiotta expressed fear not only for herself but also for young women in the area. Il Messaggero

Inheritance Dispute Following Resident’s Death

In a separate incident in October 2023, a 90-year-old resident of Pratola Peligna passed away before a judge could determine who should serve as her legal guardian. This has triggered a dispute over her estate between her daughter, who was named as the sole heir in a 2021 will, and her son, who is entitled to inherit under Italian law. Il Centro also reports a separate criminal investigation involving five family members accused of misappropriating €450,000 from the elderly woman’s account.