By Tim Binnall
A maddening mystery surrounding a serial tire slasher that had been tormenting an Italian village for months has been solved after authorities determined that the 'sinister miscreant' that had kept residents on edge was actually just a neighborhood dog. The curious case reportedly began back in July when several cars in the community of Vastogirardi had their tires destroyed by an unknown assailant. In some instances, vehicles wound up being struck multiple times, giving rise to speculation that the incidents were personal in nature rather than mere mischief.
"It has been very puzzling," Deputy Mayor Remo Scocchera explained, "as we couldn't work out who could possibly be going around cutting tires, or what the motive would be." When the slasher struck again another four times in late October, police in Vastogirardi set about trying to catch the culprit by posting plainclothes officers in the area where the incidents had occurred. However, the perpetrator managed to evade the undercover cops, leading authorities to install cameras overlooking the location, which ultimately cracked the case. Upon viewing the footage following yet another incident, police were surprised to discover that the 'ne'er-do-well' behind the spree was just a neighborhood dog named Billy.
As for why the pooch had developed a predilection for munching on tires, a veterinarian who examined the animal found that it was suffering from gingivitis and, as such, the bad behavior likely came about in an attempt to ease its pain. It is uncertain how Billy's owner did not notice their pet's discomfort, but they could soon be paying significantly for the oversight as authorities say that they will be responsible for covering the cost of the many tires that fell victim to the canine over the last few months. Meanwhile, Vastogirardi residents are breathing a sigh of relief, since the culprit turned out to be far less menacing than had been suspected.