Rob W 0 Report post Posted November 15, 2005 Police scoop up Trevi 'coin gang' Coins recovered from the fountain (archive image) Charities benefit from much of the money collected Roman police have arrested four cleaners caught in possession of coins worth 1,200 euros (£807) from the Italian capital's Trevi Fountain. They were working for a firm which regularly cleans out the famous fountain where coins worth 2,000 euros are tossed by visitors each week. Some of the proceeds go to good causes and it was a charity which raised the alarm when the coins took a sharp dip. Police fear the actual sum stolen in recent weeks is around 110,000 euros. They mounted a lengthy surveillance operation before pouncing on the suspected thieves, said to all be Italians aged between 18 and 50. The Trevi, a Roman landmark since the 18th century, was popularised by films such as Three Coins In The Fountain and la Dolce Vita. Tradition holds that by turning away from the fountain and tossing a coin over your shoulder into the water, it will bring you back to Rome eventually. A judge cleared a woman accused of stealing from the fountain in 2003 on the grounds that the money had been discarded and had no rightful owner. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gemmill 1,168 Report post Posted November 15, 2005 STOP USING THE BBC COPY AND PASTE FUNCTION! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rob W 0 Report post Posted November 15, 2005 not likely Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Smooth Operator 1 Report post Posted November 15, 2005 It's a Trevi-sty that people are short changing charities! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
snakehips 0 Report post Posted November 15, 2005 (edited) you thievin' twats, I'll kick your fuckin' heed in! Was there in the summer and chucked a coin in. Edited November 15, 2005 by snakehips Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rob W 0 Report post Posted November 15, 2005 Sounds like you'll be returning to a Police cell in Rome then.................. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rob W 0 Report post Posted November 15, 2005 Rome is a bloody marvelous place IMHO I can never get over the signs everywhere (like on hydrants and manhole covers) "SPQR" - now that's what I CALL history Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
