A brazen robbery, characterized by its swift and aggressive nature, unfolded on Sunday in a pharmacy located in Pando, Canelones. At approximately 4:30 pm, a group of four perpetrators stormed into the establishment situated at the intersection of Avenida José Gervasio Artigas and Independencia. What ensued was a scene reminiscent of a well-coordinated heist, with two of the individuals entering the premises, their faces obscured by helmets, while the other two waited outside, mounted on motorcycles.
Upon gaining entry, the thieves initially seemed to be browsing through the perfume section, even taking the time to test some of the fragrances. However, their intentions soon became clear as they smashed the storefront and made off with several perfumes, which they hastily stuffed into a bag. The entire ordeal was captured by security cameras, which not only recorded the robbery itself but also the arrival and getaway of the motorcycles. This footage is now being utilized by the police in their efforts to identify the culprits.
This latest incident is part of a troubling trend of “piraña” or lootings that have been reported in recent weeks, with similar events occurring in both Montevideo and Lagomar. The method, which involves perpetrators using motorcycles to quickly descend upon a location, smash windows, and grab merchandise before fleeing, has seen a disturbing surge. The police have been working diligently to curb these crimes, and their efforts have led to the arrest of four young individuals in separate operations. These suspects have been charged with serious offenses, including aggravated robbery, criminal association, and aggravated receipt of stolen goods.
The authorities are taking these incidents seriously, recognizing the need to address this growing issue. By leveraging security footage and conducting thorough investigations, they aim to not only bring the perpetrators to justice but also to understand and dismantle the networks behind these coordinated robberies. As the community grapples with the increase in such brazen crimes, the importance of vigilance and cooperation with law enforcement cannot be overstated. The hope is that through collective effort, the tide of these “piraña” incidents can be turned, restoring a sense of security to the affected neighborhoods.
