The Western Attica Security Sub-Directorate dismantled a gang that systematically stole goods from stores of the same chain in Agia Varvara, Tavros and Mandra.

A 25-year-old citizen and a 19-year-old citizen were arrested yesterday morning (7/2) in the area of ​​Mandra by police officers of the specific service in collaboration with OPKE police officers and a case file was filed against them for forming a gang by individuals organized to commit theft by profession and serially.

In the context of investigating the theft of gaming machines and tools from shops in the above areas, after a thorough investigation by the above service and after a combined evaluation of information data and evidence, the action of a criminal group established in early December 2023 with continuous methodical action was certified.

How did they act?

In terms of their modus operandi, members of the group went to the stores they targeted during business hours and pretended to be customers.

They always accompanied an underage toddler in a pram so as not to arouse the suspicions of the security staff and were particularly familiar with the layout of the shopping malls.

After approaching the areas where the tools and gaming machines were displayed, one of the two would place the products in question in the shopping cart and wander around the areas.

When the conditions were right, they either removed the contents and hid them in the pram in the case of tools, or escaped through auxiliary exits, bypassing the safety systems.

In the cases of the gaming machines that had a security system with sound capability, they caused a short circuit in the system, taking advantage of the store’s equipment.

They were in complete agreement with each other, one of the two occupying the staff so that the other could escape with the cart in which they had hidden the stolen goods.

From the preliminary investigation of the above service, -12- cases of theft of (21) tools and (3) gaming machines were solved in a period of approximately (20) days.

What did the investigations find?

In a search of their homes, the following were found and confiscated:

  • -3- gaming machines,
  • Electronic devices,
  • drill set,
  • Their company car,
  • Clothing used in the commission of the thefts and
  • The sum of -360- euros.

The arrested were taken to the competent Prosecutor.