2024 in Italy, 45,000 euros worth of recliners disappeared.

In June 2024, 350 sunbeds worth approximately €45,000 were stolen from the Italian seaside resort Onde Chiare in Reggio Emilia. The theft went unnoticed until nearly two years later, when the sunbeds were discovered still in use on a beach in Albania’s Capo Rodoni area. The unexpected discovery sparked a legal battle between the owners and authorities in both countries, with little progress made despite clear evidence of the stolen property being used abroad. The theft occurred during one night in June 2024, when the owners, Alberto Costoli and Enrico Cavazzoni, woke to find all 350 sunbeds missing from their facility. Initial investigations failed to uncover any clues, leaving the owners frustrated and uncertain about the fate of their equipment. For months, they pursued leads and attempted to trace the stolen goods, but no results emerged. The case remained unresolved, with the police unable to identify the culprits or locate the stolen items. A turning point came just over a year after the theft, when a regular visitor to the Onde Chiare club noticed unfamiliar sunbeds on a beach in Capo Rodoni, Albania. Recognizing the distinctive logo of the Italian resort, he immediately informed the owners. Upon reviewing photographs, the owners confirmed the sunbeds were theirs, marking the beginning of a complex legal process. Despite this confirmation, the owners found themselves in a difficult position, unable to retrieve their property while it was being used in another country. In response, the owners hired a local lawyer in Albania to assist them in recovering the stolen assets. However, the legal proceedings have been slow and ineffective. Despite clear documentation and photographic evidence, neither the Albanian police nor the courts have managed to recover the sunbeds. As of July 2026, the owners remain unable to reclaim their property, even though they know its current location. The situation has caused significant financial strain on the owners, who estimate the value of the stolen sunbeds at around €45,000. They have expressed frustration through public statements and social media posts, highlighting the lack of progress in resolving the case. In one video shared on Instagram, the owners clearly show the sunbeds still in use on the Albanian beach, emphasizing the ongoing issue. This case has taken place against the backdrop of Albania's growing tourism industry. According to a recent analysis by Visa payment card provider, the number of visitors to the country increased by approximately 75% compared to previous years. This surge in tourism highlights Albania’s increasing appeal as a destination for European tourists seeking affordable and scenic coastal experiences. However, the unresolved theft of the sunbeds casts a shadow over the country’s efforts to establish itself as a reliable and secure tourist destination. The owners have called upon Italian media, investigative programs such as “Le Iene,” and even Albania’s Prime Minister Edi Rama for assistance. Their concerns extend beyond personal loss, they argue that such incidents damage Albania’s reputation as a safe and well-managed tourist destination. They fear that repeated failures in handling such cases could deter future investors and tourists, undermining the country’s economic growth potential. Albania’s tourism sector is projected to contribute up to 30% of the country’s gross domestic product by 2035, according to experts. Yet, the unresolved case of the stolen sunbeds raises questions about the effectiveness of local institutions and the rule of law. While other regions have shown swift responses to similar issues, such as the case of a Serbian woman banned from entering the EU after stealing a sunbed and a parasol in Croatia, Albania continues to face challenges in maintaining order and protecting private property. The ongoing struggle to recover the stolen sunbeds underscores these broader concerns.