The robbery at the port of Salto occurred on Sunday around 11 p.m., when an 18-year-old woman reported being robbed at knifepoint. According to police, the incident occurred in the area of Uruguay and Chiazzaro streets, near the port.
Initially, the responding officers were unable to locate the victim. However, minutes later, the young woman appeared at the First Precinct and recounted what had happened. According to her testimony, a man wearing dark clothing and riding a bicycle threatened her with a sharp weapon, possibly a knife or broken glass.
The offender managed to steal a dark-colored wallet containing 25,000 Uruguayan pesos, a Xiaomi cell phone, and several personal documents. After the robbery, he fled toward the south of the city .
Police investigation underway
The robbery at the port of Salto triggered an immediate search operation in the area. Patrol officers patrolled several blocks, although no arrests have been reported so far. Investigators are working with testimony from the victim and neighbors, as well as security camera footage located nearby.
Police are trying to determine the suspect's escape route and confirm whether he acted alone or may have had support. The fact that he was traveling by bicycle complicates the search, as it allows for rapid movement through narrow streets and poorly lit areas.
Police sources indicated that it has not been ruled out that the perpetrator could be linked to other robberies that have occurred in recent weeks in the downtown area of Salto. Therefore, reports and descriptions are being compared to determine any similarities in the modus operandi.
Local repercussions
The incident raised concerns among residents and merchants in the port, who noted that the area is often busy at night, especially on weekends. Some stated that such incidents have become more frequent and called for increased police presence.
On social media, users commented that going out at night has become a risk, especially for young women walking home. "It's not enough to be careful anymore; you never know if someone is waiting around the corner," said one neighbor.
In everyday life, where making ends meet is already a struggle for many families, losing a wallet containing cash, a cell phone, and documents represents a significant blow. The victim told police she had the money with her because she had recently withdrawn it and planned to use it to cover household expenses.
Context and next steps
nighttime patrols coordination with the Coast Guard to improve security in the port area.
The case remains under investigation, and so far, no significant progress has been reported in the search for the suspect. Police urged the public to provide information that could help determine his whereabouts.
The episode brings the discussion about public safety in inland cities back to the forefront. Although the greatest attention tends to focus on Montevideo and its metropolitan area, events like the robbery at the port of Salto reflect the problem across the entire country.
In Salto, as in other parts of the interior, residents report that they often have to return from work by bus late at night or on foot, and this situation increases their feeling of vulnerability. Some suggest that more streetlights should be installed on the streets near the port, while others call for more frequent patrols. Discussions about how to improve security arise at every neighborhood meeting , where odd jobs, tight cash, and insecurity intersect in daily life.
