A 58-year-old woman in Thessaloniki, who recently found out that money was unjustifiably missing from her house, seems to have had a police demon, so she decided to take action.

Her suspicions turned to the 44-year-old domestic helper, but she was looking for a way to prove it beyond all doubt. Then she devised her plan: photocopied banknotes – worth 350 euros – with the identifying serial number visible, from each, and then placed the specified amount of money in her purse.

When last Monday morning, the housekeeper appeared at the house – as planned – to work, the 58-year-old woman after welcoming her said that she must leave. In her absence the 44-year-old… reached into the bag and removed the money. Returning home and after finding that the 350 euros were missing, the 58-year-old addressed the Police, reporting the theft, while also presenting her receipts.

The piggy bank with the money and her acquittal

A search followed at the house of the domestic helper where apart from the above notes – which were compatible with those shown by the complainant based on their typographic details – the amount of 1,900 euros was found in a piggy bank. As the 44-year-old confessed, it was money that she had stolen in parts from her employer in the previous period.

She offered to compensate the 58-year-oldas it happened.

Under these circumstances, the Autoforo Single-Member Criminal Court of Thessaloniki – where she was referred to stand trial – acquitted her, with the complainant previously stating that she does not wish to be prosecuted.

She was also acquitted (due to doubt) of a knife found in her home during the police search.