Police release info, pics, and video of arrested larcenous gang

Two additional persons are being sought in connection with the crimes. All of the persons implicated are citizens of a country that was formerly part of Yugoslavia that has not been named.

As police described the case, the gang had been conducting burglaries and robberies throughout the greater Athens area, mostly hitting jewelry stores, but also the occasional clothing store.

The modus operandi of the gang is very similar to the international criminal ring dubbed “Pink Panthers,” acting usually in three stages: planning, raiding, escaping.

The specific gang picked shops that had easy access and the sidewalks in front of which were free of metal bars, signposts, or other impediments.

In order to conduct their activities, the gang stole old technology automobiles that did not have sophisticated electronic anti-theft or immobilizer devices. The gang members used so called “polish keys” to start them up, some of which were left on the vehicles after the getaway. They also stole motorcycles.

They conducted some of their robberies early in the morning using ram raiding techniques, breaking into shops using the cars, or they broke shop doors and windows with sledge hammers. In other cases they tore down protective bars by tying them to the cars with ropes or cables.

They used “ghost phones” that belonged to fictitious persons to safeguard their communications, and also used fake passports, IDs, and driving licenses.

So far police have connected the gang to 13 vehicle thefts, 14 burglaries/robberies, and 3 attempted burglaries with extended damage to premises. In all the loot gathered from the criminal activities is estimated at over 550,000 euros.

Police also released pictures of loot and items found after the arrest, the venues where the crimes were committed, and stolen vehicles.