World News

Industry news and insights from Europe and around the World

UK News

Latest news and developments in the United Kingdom

Products

Keep up-to-date with the latest new products and technology

Features

General articles, applications and industry analysis

Fridge man opens fire on refrigerant thieves

ITALY: The owner of a refrigeration business is under investigation after shooting at thieves trying to steal refrigerant from his premises.

According to TV and newspaper reports, the 56-year-old businessman gave chase after witnessing the theft taking place via an app on his smartphone. He intercepted the fleeing vehicle in Vaprio d’Adda, Milan, and fired two shots from a large calibre weapon. 

The three suspects then fled on foot, abandoning eight refrigerant cylinders.

According to TV station Tgcom24, the 56-year-old then called the police and his position is now being examined to ascertain whether the man acted within the limits of legitimate defence. The police have meanwhile seized weapons and ammunition.

Theft of refrigerant is widespread within Europe as a result of high prices due to the F-gas phase down.

Latest News

20th October 2026

ADAPTIX designed to boost CO2 system efficiency

ITALY: Rivacold has developed ADAPTIX, a patented technology designed to improve CO2 transcritical refrigeration systems throughout the year.
20th October 2026

Birmingham society renames and relaunches

UK: The Birmingham Society of Refrigeration & Air Conditioning (BSRA) is to relaunch itself under a new name and new focus.
20th October 2026

LG extends R290 monobloc range

UK: LG has extended its range of R290 monobloc S range with 12kW, 14kW and 16kW models.
19th October 2026

Wiesbaden supermarket is all CO2

GERMANY: A recently reopened supermarket in Wiesbaden claims to be the first to use CO2 refrigerant in all its commercial refrigeration, heating and air conditioning.
19th October 2026

Father and daughter plead guilty to R22 smuggling

USA: A father and daughter have pleaded guilty to smuggling thousands of dollars worth of banned R22 refrigerant in multiple trips across the border from Mexico.
19th October 2026

Jonas Steen appointed Beijer Ref CEO

SWEDEN: Wholesaler Beijer Ref has appointed Jonas Steen, currently chief operating officer of its EMEA business, as its new chief executive officer and president.