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Israeli police have arrested five teenagers, aged 13 to 16, suspected of breaking into at least six vehicles parked at Ben Gurion Airport while their owners were traveling. The arrests, made public on Wednesday, followed an undercover investigation launched by the Ben Gurion Airport precinct in late November.
The investigation began after authorities received reports of car break-ins at the airport. Two teenagers, aged 13 and 14, were arrested first after being found in possession of a credit card that had allegedly been stolen from a vehicle parked at the airport. The car’s owner was reportedly abroad at the time of the theft.
As the investigation progressed, officers identified three more suspects, aged 14 to 16, all from Ashdod. A search of their homes led to the seizure of evidence believed to link the suspects to the break-ins at the airport, which involved at least six vehicles.
Detectives from Unit 747, which specializes in complex investigations, also uncovered evidence indicating the possibility of other similar crimes, and efforts are underway to identify further incidents.
The case is being handled by the Ben Gurion Airport precinct, with detectives analyzing surveillance footage from the airport’s parking lots.
The footage proved crucial in identifying the suspects, as it captured the moments leading up to the break-ins. According to the police, the stolen credit card was one of the key pieces of evidence that connected the teenagers to the criminal activity.
A spokesperson for the Israeli police stated that the teenagers were apprehended after they were seen on the airport’s security cameras, with further investigative work establishing their role in the multiple car break-ins. The suspects are now facing charges related to theft and vehicle break-ins.
The findings of the investigation will soon be forwarded to the Israeli courts. Prosecutors will review the evidence collected during the investigation before making a decision on the charges to be formally pressed against the suspects.
Israeli authorities have warned of the increasing trend of break-ins at public parking lots and urged travelers to be vigilant and take extra precautions when leaving their vehicles. Police are continuing to monitor the situation at Ben Gurion Airport and other areas where similar incidents have occurred.
This case highlights the ongoing issue of vehicle-related crimes at major transport hubs, especially in busy airports where vehicles are often left unattended for extended periods. Authorities have promised to increase patrols and surveillance to deter further criminal activity and ensure the safety of travelers and their property.