Tallinn teenagers who burgled stores stole scooters and cash – police arrested two boys
Police identified two teenagers who broke into shops and restaurants in Tallinn and stole money, electronics and scooters.
Tallinn teenagers linked to dozens of thefts and damage offences
According to Google News EE — Crime, two teenagers were arrested this week in North Tallinn: a 16-year-old boy was detained and a 13-year-old was identified. They are suspected of multiple burglaries, property damage and theft since the end of August.
Lea Bärenson, head of the West-Harju police district, said the boys operated mainly in the North Tallinn and city centre areas. "The teenagers mainly broke into shops and restaurants, smashing their doors and windows. Everything easy to carry off became their target – cash and small electronics, but they also stole electric scooters. Additionally, they smashed the windows of several vehicles in the North Tallinn area," Bärenson explained.
Police began searching for the teenagers immediately after the first report of theft. Evidence was collected from crime scenes, victims and witnesses were interviewed, and surveillance camera recordings were reviewed. Additionally, increased surveillance was maintained in the described areas.
The breakthrough came through analysis. "On 1 September, police officers spotted young men moving together in North Tallinn and detained the 16-year-old boy. When the boy saw the police, the 13-year-old with him ran away – a drone was used to search for him. Shortly after, police found him at a nearby construction site," Bärenson described.
According to initial information, the boys are linked to approximately ten theft episodes and multiple property damage cases. "We have established that there were five young people in total in the group, and we are investigating what role each of them played in the offences," added the district head. The exact amount of property damage caused will become clear during the investigation.
Both teenagers have previous contact with police. The prosecution requested the detention of the 16-year-old, but the court did not agree to this. In the case of the 13-year-old, the court has been asked to order his placement in a closed child institution (KLAT), but a decision is still pending.
Bärenson emphasised that placing a minor in a closed institution is a last resort. "Our goal is that the child receives the necessary support to break free from a bad environment and manage in the future. Unfortunately, changing the behaviour of some children requires a more closely controlled environment," she said.
Police stress that further work with teenagers requires close cooperation between the family, local authorities, the school and specialists. If a teenager's behaviour threatens his own or others' wellbeing, the child welfare specialist is notified.
Police urge residents to report thefts and suspicious situations at the earliest opportunity and to provide any available camera recordings. "The sooner the information reaches police, the sooner we can intervene. People should also alert police if they notice anything suspicious in the streetscape – for example, young people wandering around late at night attempting to access buildings or unfamiliar territories," Bärenson added.
Source: Google News EE — Crime (et)