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Photo courtesy of Israel Police
Ariel teens suspected of selling stolen goods to Palestinians
Four Israeli youngsters arrested on suspicion of breaking into homes in West Bank city, selling stolen cameras, laptops and jewelry to Palestinians residing nearby. Investigator: Crime surge linked to economic downturn
Four teenagers from the West Bank city of Ariel were arrested recently on suspicion of selling stolen goods to two Palestinians residing nearby.
Police suspect that the teenagers, aged 14 to 17, were behind a recent wave of break-ins in Ariel, during which they stole cameras, laptops and jewelry. According to Samaria Sub-District Police investigators, the teenagers, some of whom have a criminal record, admitted to carrying out seven burglaries and even reenacted them.
Following their interrogation the suspects were released under restricting conditions. Most of the stolen goods were seized, and police are looking into the possibility that more Israeli youngsters were involved in the operation. The Israeli teens said they purchased lottery tickets with the money they had amassed.
The two Palestinians were also arrested on suspicion of trading in stolen property.
"This phenomenon (break-ins) has gained momentum over the past few months, and I assume there will be additional arrests in the case," Chief Superintendent Mark Amiel told Ynet on Monday, adding that the exchanges between the Israelis and Palestinians took place on the outskirts of Ariel and could have led to the teens' kidnapping.
According to Amiel, the crime surge is linked to the economic downturn. "In the current situation there are parents who cannot afford to give their children allowances," he said.
