Police arrest teenager suspected in more than 60 thefts

A 17-year-old has been arrested on suspicion of more than 60 thefts in several districts of Tyrol, ORF reported. The incidents involved cash, jewellery and other valuables taken from unlocked vehicles and, in some cases, homes.

The investigation began after cash, cigarettes, documents and other valuables were stolen from an unlocked car in the municipality of Haiming, in Imst district, between 3 a.m. and 6 a.m. on October 12. Police checked the teenager in Haiming later that day and found stolen goods. He admitted to several thefts from unlocked vehicles, and prosecutors initially allowed him to remain at liberty while the case proceeded.

Further inquiries led police to suspect he had been committing thefts for financial gain since September. Investigators believe he sometimes acted with two unidentified accomplices. The alleged offences took place in municipalities across the districts of Innsbruck-Land, Schwaz, Kufstein and Imst.

Police arrested him on Wednesday at Innsbruck’s main railway station. The estimated losses are in the mid-four-figure range in euros. The teenager denied the allegations and was taken to Innsbruck prison.