Greek police has proceeded to one arrest and 17 detentions of people looting and suspected for looting homes in the fire-affected areas of north-eastern Attica.
Among the detainees were 10 members of the Roma community, while another Roman man was arrested in Penteli suburb on Thursday, media reported. The 46-year-old man was caught in action removing items from a damaged house and loading them in a small truck.
Residents told Star TV that Roma – who usually collect iron and other metal subjects to sell them – have been arriving in the area.
Many houses in the area have been reportedly abandoned as they have suffered very serious damage or have been completely destroyed,while there are residents who still stay away as the infrastructure especially the water supply has not been fully restored yet.
According to state broadcaster ERT, orders have been given to security and patrolling law enforcement units to carry out sweeping controls as well as continuous and strict checks on people who have no reason to be in the areas affected by the fires in north-eastern Attica. Those who are considered suspicious should be banned from entering the affected areas and be brought in immediately.
The Greek Police warned that the controls will continue, the officers’ presence will be continuous at these points and the offenders will not have the slightest leniency.
