Authorities are searching for a young boy who allegedly withdrew EUR 1,500 using a stolen debit card and then went around town on a shopping spree.
The incident occurred on 23rd October 2024, when an 85-year-old woman’s card was stolen on Konigstraße in Bornheim. a town near Cologne in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, with police now releasing a photo of the young criminal.
Shortly after the theft, the card was used to purchase high-value jewellery worth EUR 3,290 (GBP 2,830) and another GBP 1,500 (GBP 1,290) were withdrawn.
Investigators believe the boy, deemed below the age of criminal responsibility, was tasked by unknown suspects to commit the theft and conduct the withdrawal.
A surveillance image from the bank has been released to aid in identifying the child, as authorities suspect he may have been exploited by criminals.
Despite ongoing investigations, the boy’s identity remains unknown, and police are under pressure to locate those responsible.
This case has also raised concerns about the vulnerability of elderly citizens to theft.
Authorities have obtained judicial approval to publish the image in hopes of gathering information.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Bonn police.
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