Megaboete for sand thieves in Sardinia

amsterdam - Anyone who wants to steal a pot of that wonderful beach sand on holiday in Sardinia will get the lid on the nose from the Italian authorities. In order to protect the nature of the island, the fines for this crime have been increased to 3000 euros.

The Italian police have even patrolled the island to catch sand thieves in the act. Despite the signs on the beach, many bathers can not restrain themselves, as it turns out. Just last summer, more than a ton of sand was found in the suitcases of departing tourists at Cagliari airport. It is not difficult to see that it is stolen sand: many travelers have the bag or jar in which it is already labeled with the name of the beach where the grains come from.

The German embassy in Rome warns compatriots of the ban, and of the sanctions attached to it.