Police have dismantled a criminal ring that posed as technical crew workers to carry out burglaries across Attica, arresting two suspects in Voula and solving six cases of theft, authorities announced.
Officers from the Athens Crime Prevention and Detection Subdirectorate arrested two foreign nationals, ages 48 and 31, in connection with the scheme.
According to Greek police, the group had operated since May, targeting homes in Attica's northern and southern suburbs.
The suspects allegedly forced entry into residences using burglary tools, stealing jewelry, watches and cash, while using rented vehicles that they regularly swapped to avoid detection. Police said the group's signature method involved wearing reflective safety vests to pose as utility or maintenance workers, allowing them to move through apartment buildings' common areas without arousing suspicion before carrying out break-ins.
Searches of the suspects' homes and a location used to stash stolen goods turned up 21 watches, numerous pieces of jewelry and bags, burglary tools, two reflective work vests, a GPS tracking device, a precision electronic scale, a laptop and three mobile phones.
The 48-year-old suspect resisted arrest, striking and kicking officers during the operation. Police said he had previously been investigated for similar offenses.
Both suspects were referred to the relevant prosecutor's office.