Visitors face fines for stealing Sardinia beach sand

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Dozens of people are facing fines of up to €3,000 (£2,580; $3,650) for removing beach sand and shells from the Italian island of Sardinia, local media report.

Authorities said on Saturday that 41 individuals had been reported for the theft of about 100kg (220lb) of items from beaches in separate incidents.

Sardinia’s famed white sand is treasured on the island and it is strictly forbidden to remove it.

The trade in Sardinian sand, pebbles and shells was made