Tirana logged 400 thefts in the first semester of 2021, in a majority of cases (20%) were committed by minors.

The involvement of such a young age group in thefts was also noted in other parts of the country, a phenomenon pointed out during the 2020 report compiled by the Prosecution Office.

According to statistics, minors are widely used in this criminal activity because they are tried according to juvenile laws, while a majority of them have clean criminal records.

Although there is a declining trend, according to the Prosecution’s report, the matter remains a concern for law enforcement authorities.

Theft is not an unknown phenomenon in Tirana, as the capital recorded 1.344 thefts in 2020. Pharmacies, jewelry stores, and households are among the most preyed on by robbers.

Fatjon Softa, an expert on public order policing, told Euronews Albania that the high percentage of minors involved in these particular offenses is concerning, as adults may be hidden behind them in a majority of cases.

“They might be directly involved but also can be used by adults to rob households as the law favors this age group”, Softa said.

According to him, the police are partially to be blamed as their main focus is toward more serious crimes, such as murder while disregarding thefts.

“The police is more committed in murder cases. While minor offenses have not been addressed properly leading to a jump in these cases. Criminal proceedings should be launched for those behind the minors”, suggested the expert.

More to follow …