Athens – April 26, 2024 – Two Serbian nationals, aged 50 and 53, suspected members of the notorious ‘Pink Panthers’ gang, have been arrested in connection with a string of� jewellery store� burglaries in central� Athens.
The arrests come following a series of meticulous investigations by security officials, who linked the individuals to multiple incidents employing the sophisticated “rifle method” to carry out their crimes.
According to reports, the duo targeted jewellery establishments in prominent areas of Athens, including Kolokotroni Street in December and the Omonia district in March. Their modus operandi involved scouting for vulnerable targets located adjacent to vacant or abandoned buildings, primarily under the cover of night.
Utilising their knowledge of the area, the perpetrators would carefully assess the surroundings to ensure a stealthy entry, often creating an opening in the partition to gain access to the premises. To minimise the risk of detection, they employed cloth to muffle the sound of their activities.
During the break-ins, only the 50-year-old suspect would infiltrate the jewellery shops, maneouvering cautiously to evade alarm sensors while seizing the valuables. The stolen goods were then concealed in backpacks for a swift escape, with the accomplice standing lookout outside.
The duo made off with items valued at €169,000 from Kolokotroni Street in December and €147,000 from Athinas Street in March.
The arrests occurred when officers from the Burglary Department intercepted the suspects on Aristotelous Street. Despite resistance from the 53-year-old individual, both suspects were successfully apprehended.
Notably, both individuals have a history of similar offences, having served prison sentences in the past and released under restrictions.
Clik here to view the source for this article which was written by Charlie Kowalenko.