Serial pickpocket with 10 convictions arrested at Riga Station Square
Police on 13 May arrested a man born in 1977 who has been stealing mobile phones in the area around Station Square. The case has been referred to the Riga Eastern Prosecutor's Office.
Serial pickpocket arrested following planned operation in Riga
According to Apollo, police on 13 May arrested a man born in 1977 who has repeatedly stolen mobile phones in the area around Station Square in Riga. The arrested man has previously been convicted ten times for crimes of a similar nature.
The first information about thefts reached the State Police Riga Regional Bureau (RRP) on 18 March this year — the victim had lost his mobile phone on 17 March. A criminal case was opened immediately. On 23 March, police received a report of another phone theft that occurred on 21 March at the same location.
By analysing video recordings and working with staff from the Criminal Police Department's 2nd Bureau, 2nd Division at the RRP, investigators established that in both cases the same pickpocket was involved, someone who had previously come to the attention of police.
As a result of a planned operation, on 13 May the man was arrested immediately after committing a theft. On 15 May he was recognised as a suspect. The individual denies his guilt in the thefts.
According to information available to police, the man acted by taking advantage of moments when victims were boarding public transport or a train — he would approach from behind and pull mobile phones from their pockets. As investigators note, he chose victims who were weaker than himself: women and women with infants or young children. The arrested man was subjected to a security measure — remand in custody.
On 2 June, the criminal case was referred to the Riga Eastern Prosecutor's Office to initiate criminal prosecution. The case was opened under Article 175, Part 1 of the Criminal Code for theft, for which imprisonment of up to two years, short-term imprisonment, probation supervision, community service, or a fine is provided.
The State Police reminds that no person is considered guilty until his guilt has been proved in the manner laid down by law.
Source: Apollo