Man detained in Riga for breaking into shop with an axe and stealing cigarettes

Officers of the Riga Pārdaugava Department of the State Police's Riga Region Directorate detained a man born in 1956 on 22 October. He is suspected of a theft from a retail outlet in Āgenskalns, a district of Riga, Latvia. Police received the report on the morning of 19 October. On 24 October the man was placed in custody as a preventive measure while the criminal proceedings continue.

What happened

According to police, the thief got into the shop by smashing the glass of a door with an axe. About 70 cartons of cigarettes were stolen. The exact amount is still being established.

The detention

During the investigation police identified the possible culprit and detained him three days after the theft. An axe that may have been used to break the door glass was found on him, along with a backpack and other items. Police state that the person has previously been convicted of similar offences.

Criminal proceedings

The case was opened under Section 175, Part 3 of the Criminal Law, which covers theft involving entry into a dwelling or other premises. The offence is punishable by deprivation of liberty for up to five years, short-term deprivation of liberty, probation supervision, community service or a fine, with or without confiscation of property.

The State Police remind that no person is considered guilty until guilt in committing a criminal offence has been proven in the manner prescribed by law.