Two men were arrested in the Famagusta district on Monday in connection with theft and illegal possession of property, police said in a statement on Tuesday.
The suspects, aged 29 and 31, were found in possession of various jewellery items and watches, which are being investigated as potential stolen goods. They are also being questioned about a theft involving €180 from a shop in the Famagusta district.
The two men were identified by a member of the Xylofagou police station shortly after noon on Monday. The officer was investigating a theft complaint made earlier by an 84-year-old woman, the owner of a shop in the village.
According to the victim, two men, whose descriptions she provided to police, stole €180 from her cash register.
While conducting searches in the area following the complaint, the police officer spotted two men matching the suspects’ descriptions driving a vehicle. He stopped the men for questioning.
During the search, the officer found €180 in a bag belonging to the 31-year-old, along with several pieces of jewellery, including bracelets, earrings, and watches, some of which had price tags still attached. The items were suspected to be stolen.
As the 31-year-old was unable to provide a satisfactory explanation for the items, he was arrested for illegal possession of property and taken to the closest police station. The 29-year-old was also called in for further questioning.
At the police station, the 84-year-old shop owner identified the two men as the individuals who had stolen the money from her store earlier that day. Warrants were issued for their arrest, and both suspects were placed in custody for further investigation.