An attempt to take a forbidden souvenir from the world-famous archaeological site of Pompeii has backfired for a 51-year-old Scottish tourist. He was caught with several ancient stones in his rucksack and charged with grand theft. His capture was the result of exemplary cooperation between an attentive tour guide, the park's security staff and the Carabinieri.
The incident occurred in the evening when an experienced tour guide was leading his group through the ancient alleyways of the city buried by Vesuvius. Near the basilica, he noticed a tourist picking up several stones from the historic pavement and stowing them inconspicuously in his rucksack.
From attentive guide to quick arrest
The guide did not hesitate for a second and immediately informed the park's security staff. He described the incident and gave a precise description of the man. The security staff then alerted the carabinieri stationed on site and asked them to find the man responsible. The quick response proved successful: shortly afterwards, the officers were able to apprehend the 51-year-old Scotsman outside the excavation site, near the "Villa dei Misteri" train station. In his rucksack, they found five ancient stones and a brick fragment that he had illegally stolen.
The stolen artifacts were recovered and returned to the park. Park Director Gabriel Zuchtriegel praised the successful operation: "Congratulations and thanks to the attentive tour guide, our excellent guards and the Carabinieri for this synergetic action to protect the cultural heritage."
