Dozens of Residential Burglaries Uncovered in Kotayk: Group Identified

In Abovyan and several villages of Kotayk Province, two dozen residential burglaries and attempted thefts were reported in 2019. The modus operandi was consistent: thieves typically entered through windows, stealing only money and gold.

Victims reported the incidents to the police, and criminal cases were initiated. Law enforcement agencies were making every effort to locate the criminals when, on the evening of January 16, a new report about a residential burglary was received at the Kotayk police department. Taking advantage of the homeowners' absence, the burglars opened a window in one of the houses in Nor village using a tool and stole a bank card along with gold and silver jewelry from the bedroom's dresser.

Upon receiving the report, an operational group was dispatched to the scene. Police documented how the window was opened and what items were stolen, and they spoke with the victim.

While measures were being taken to solve the case, another report of a residential burglary was received on January 25 from the operational management center. Between 6 PM and 9 PM, thieves opened a window in a house in Aramus village with a tool and stole cash and gold jewelry from the bedroom's closet.

By analyzing the incidents, officers from the Kotayk police department were attempting to identify the differences and similarities between the burglaries. It was decided to strengthen the cooperation between the criminal investigation department and the community policing division to enhance communication with residents.

As a result of extensive search efforts, on February 11, the community police department received information that three minors from Abovyan might be responsible for the burglaries. Two of them were detained on the same day, while the third was apprehended on February 13 by law enforcement.

Subsequent investigations revealed that the suspects were linked to more than two dozen residential burglaries and theft attempts in Abovyan and several villages in Kotayk Province between 2019 and 2020, in addition to four personal property thefts. In March 2019, they stole gold and cash from an apartment on Saralanj Street in Abovyan and from a house in Balakhovit village. In April, they entered two houses in the same village through windows, stealing cash and expensive drinks. Days later, they stole cash and gold from another apartment in Abovyan's Third Microdistrict.

In May, they again entered through a window into one of the apartments in Abovyan's Fourth Microdistrict and stole silver jewelry. During the summer, they stole cash, gold jewelry, and medals from two houses in Balakhovit village. In September and October, they opened windows in apartments located in the Third Microdistrict of Abovyan, Saralanj, Kotayk, and Sevan streets, stealing money, watches, gold, and silver jewelry.

There were also instances where the burglars were unable to complete their theft due to unforeseen circumstances. However, this was not all. In December last year and January this year, they stole merchandise from three shops in Garni, Kamaris, and Gogh village. They also stole copper and aluminum wires, a welding machine, an electric saw, and other craftsman's tools from a workshop in Garni village.

The suspects have admitted to their crimes. Investigations are ongoing.