A Madonnella Side Street Break-In
The incident unfolded in the Madonnella district. Perpetrators shattered the window of the car used by Cuamm operator Nicole Laforgia, according to accounts reported by Italian news agency ANSA.
Laforgia had just returned from the CARA migrant reception center in the provincial capital when the theft occurred.
Mobile Healthcare Left Without Tools
The stolen inventory directly supports medical outreach programs targeting migrants, individuals experiencing homelessness, and vulnerable populations across the Puglia region, including scheduled interventions in Nardò and Bari.
The stolen gear includes a computer, a tablet, an electrocardiograph (ECG), an ultrasound machine, and other diagnostic tools essential for mobile clinics.
Suspension of Field Interventions
According to statements given to ANSA by Laforgia, the theft forces a temporary suspension of field medical activities because seasonal August closures make immediate replacement of the specialized devices difficult.
Carabinieri Probe and Public Appeal
Following the incident, the operator filed a formal complaint with the Carabinieri. Law enforcement authorities are currently reviewing surveillance footage from commercial businesses surrounding the Madonnella neighborhood to identify the perpetrators.
Laforgia issued a public appeal asking residents and local merchants to contact authorities or the organization directly if they encounter individuals attempting to sell medical instrumentation of suspicious origin.
Grassroots Solidarity on GoFundMe
In response to the disruption of medical services during the peak of the August holiday week, local residents in Bari initiated a grassroots solidarity campaign.
A crowdfunding initiative was launched on GoFundMe with an initial target of €4,500 to replace the stolen diagnostic hardware.
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