Four teenagers aged between 11 and 13 years narrowly escaped being beaten after they were arrested for breaking into and stealing from three shops in Ekumfi Immuna in the Central Region in the middle of the night.
According to Kasapa News’ Yaw Boagyan, the suspects stole drink packets, biscuits, sugar, gari and other food items.
Residents who witnessed the crime heard the sound of padlocks being broken and rushed to the scene, only to find the teenagers inside the shops with bags full of stolen goods. They arrested the teenagers, tied them up and took them to the emir’s palace.
Community chiefs and opinion leaders condemned the act. Nana Odwirey Ababio, the Odikro of Ekumfi Immuna , explained that this is not the first time such an incident has happened in the community. He expressed concern over the increasing number of thefts reported by residents.
Nana Odwirey Ababio said the suspects had been remanded to juvenile detention centres for delinquent behaviour, suggesting that their acts were orchestrated by older teenagers.
He promised to ensure that the suspects receive proper rehabilitation. He also advised parents to take good care of their children and educate them not to steal.
Meanwhile, the police officers involved in taking the suspects to the Emir’s house assured residents that proper security measures would be put in place to protect the community.
He noted plans to work with chiefs and elders to protect property in the community.
The suspects were taken to the police station and are assisting with investigations.
