Minors from detention facility admit convenience store robbery
Three teenagers, two aged 17 and one aged 15, who were housed in a special detention facility for minors, admitted to breaking into a mini market in Thessaloniki with a weapon and stealing money and goods.
Minors from detention facility admit convenience store robbery
Three teenagers admitted their involvement in an armed raid on a mini market in Thessaloniki, as emerged from the investigation. Two of them, aged 17, were remanded in custody, whilst the third, who is approaching 15, returned to the detention facility for minors where he was housed.
According to reporting by ERT News, the incident took place on 21 May in the Triandria area. The three had unlawfully absconded from the facility where they were being held. With covered faces they broke into the shop, pointed a gun at the employee and seized 700 euros, tobacco products and the employee's personal bag.
Staff at the facility identified one of the perpetrators from visual material that had been released to the public. When they returned to the premises, they established that one of the accused had initially denied his involvement before later confessing. The other two initially denied it but subsequently admitted to the act.
Police are investigating the involvement of four further accomplices whose identities remain unknown. The two oldest in age were taken to prison, whilst the younger one is subject to a rehabilitation programme.
The fact that all three had already been referred to the facility for similar offences in the past raises concerns about the effectiveness of reintegration programmes for minors.
Source: ERT