14 Masked Thieves Steal 12 Motorcycles in Itajaí Raid

The surveillance footage paints a vivid picture of the group's disorganization. Despite their numbers, the thieves struggled to coordinate their exit, leading to critical delays that likely aided the subsequent police investigation.

Two specific moments stand out in the footage:

• The Trapped Suspect: One criminal became wedged in the broken glass of the storefront, physically blocking the escape route for the rest of the group for several seconds.
• The Fallen Bike: After finally clearing the entrance, another suspect dropped a motorcycle and required assistance from accomplices to lift it off the ground.

The scene highlights the frantic nature of the robbery. The group, described by authorities as mostly adolescents, prioritized speed over stealth, resulting in a messy execution that left evidence and clues behind.

While the thieves initially fled into the night, the Polícia Militar launched an immediate pursuit. Officers were dispatched to the scene at approximately 2:40 AM after reports of the break-in.

Upon arrival, police found the shattered facade and multiple motorcycles toppled inside the establishment. The investigation quickly expanded to neighboring municipalities.

Authorities confirmed that as of the latest update, seven motorcycles have been recovered. These were identified as Bajaj Dominar 400 models, valued at approximately R$ 26,000 each. The recovery of these vehicles suggests that the thieves' escape route was tracked or that they abandoned the bikes as police pressure mounted.

The manhunt following the robbery resulted in several arrests across the North Coast of Santa Catarina. The net cast by law enforcement quickly ensnared members of the fleeing convoy.

Detentions were made in the following locations:

• Itajaí: An 18-year-old suspect was found injured on Avenida Osvaldo Reis.
• Camboriú & Balneário Camboriú: Three additional suspects were detained here, including a 25-year-old man and two adolescents (17 and 16 years old).
• Balneário Camboriú: The Municipal Guard apprehended two more teenagers, aged 16 and 15.

The suspects range from young teenagers to a young adult, confirming the PM's assessment that the group was largely composed of minors.

The physical toll of the robbery was not limited to property damage. One suspect suffered a severe injury during the chaotic escape.

The 18-year-old male found near the scene was transported by firefighters to the Hospital Marieta Konder Bornhausen. Medical staff diagnosed him with a fracture of the tibia and fibula, injuries consistent with a fall or being crushed against the glass facade.

With suspects in custody and vehicles recovered, the investigation now moves to the judicial phase. The evidence provided by the security footage will likely play a crucial role in the prosecution of the individuals involved.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the brazen nature of organized retail theft in the region. The speed of the operation suggests a degree of planning, while the chaotic execution and subsequent arrests highlight the risks involved.

Key takeaways from the event include:

• Rapid Response: Police and municipal guards acted quickly, securing multiple suspects within hours.
• High-Value Target: The thieves specifically targeted expensive Bajaj Dominar 400 models.
• Surveillance Value: Video evidence was instrumental in documenting the crime and identifying suspects.

As the legal process begins, the community of Itajaí is left with the image of a shattered storefront and a reminder that even the fastest getaway can be stopped by law enforcement.