Beer drunk in Liepāja shop, seven migrants in a car in Ludza, toilets set alight in Ādaži
Latvian police and the State Border Guard reported several incidents in early November: a man drank beer in a Liepāja shop without paying, a migrant smuggler was detained in Ludza municipality, and teenagers set public toilets on fire in Ādaži.
Several incidents were reported in Latvia in the first half of November by the State Police, the State Border Guard and the Ādaži municipal police.
Liepāja: beer drunk in a shop without payment
On Monday, 9 November, at about 15:50, police in Liepāja received a report that an intoxicated man in a store had opened and drunk several bottles of beer without paying. A security guard told officers he had managed to drink at least four bottles, and when asked to pay, he said he had no money. The shop will submit a complaint and video footage to police. Administrative proceedings have been opened against the man for disturbing public order; the penalty can be a fine of up to 500 euros.
Ludza municipality: seven border violators
On Tuesday, 10 November, border guards stopped a Škoda car driven by a Belarusian citizen in Zaļesje parish, Ludza municipality. Seven people without valid visas or residence permits were found in the passenger compartment and boot; they had earlier crossed the Belarus–Latvia border illegally. Criminal proceedings have been opened against the driver for illegally transporting people across the border. The seven were prevented from crossing the border illegally, which usually means they are sent back.
This year the Border Guard has opened 179 criminal cases against 121 people for illegally moving people or enabling illegal stay in Latvia. Last week, amendments to the Criminal Law took effect that tighten liability for illegal migration; the penalty can be up to 12 years' imprisonment.
Liepāja: stolen power tools
On 7 November in Liepāja, a man climbed over a fence at a building site and stole a cordless drill and a jigsaw worth 1,300 euros in total. He pawned one tool for 50 euros and kept the other in his garage. Police detained him the same day, recovered both items and opened a criminal case for theft involving unlawful entry.
Ādaži: toilets set alight
On Thursday, 12 November, burning toilet paper and smoke were found in public toilets in Ādaži. The municipal police established that minors were involved and that their identities are already known.
