Italians are Clueless

Armed robberies of Italian banks and building societies have soared after a controversial prisoner amnesty in the country’s crowded jails.

Last year’s indulto, or pardon, for prisoners with less than three years left to serve caused uproar.

More than 15,000 inmates were released. Within hours, dozens had been arrested and sent back to jail after reoffending. New crime figures have again fuelled the controversy.

The number of bank robberies has risen nationwide, official statistics say, including a staggering 102 per cent increase in Piedmont, in the north.