The State Police transferred to the Prosecutor's Office a criminal case regarding several cases of car theft recorded this summer in Vidzeme and Riga. The investigation established that a man born in 2005 took advantage of the fact that cars were left unlocked with keys inside four times. The police urge drivers to be vigilant and not to leave cars unlocked with keys inside.
The South Vidzeme precinct of the Vidzeme Regional Department of the State Police transferred the criminal case to the Vidzeme Prosecutor's Office on October 31, 2025, to initiate criminal prosecution regarding several cases of vehicle theft recorded this summer in Vidzeme and Riga.
During the investigation, it was established that a man born in 2005 took advantage of the situation four times in a short period when vehicles were left unlocked and the keys were inside the cabin.
The first incident was recorded on June 7, when a Citroën Berlingo was stolen from a parking lot near a store in the municipality of Taurene, Cēsis region. A few days later, on June 9, a Volvo disappeared near a pharmacy in Mazsalaca. On June 23, a Seat Cordoba was stolen in Riga on Ieriku Street near a shopping center. And on June 24, during the day, a Mercedes Benz was stolen from a parking lot near a store on Valmieras Street in Cēsis.
That same evening, June 24, police officers in the municipality of Dzērbenes, Cēsis region, noticed the same Mercedes Benz driving on the road from Drusti to Dzērbene to Skuyene. Upon checking, it was established that the driver was a man born in 2005, who had no driver's license and was in a state of intoxication. The test showed a blood alcohol level of 0.73 promille.
A preventive measure was applied to the suspect — arrest.
The State Police reminds that no person is considered guilty until their guilt in committing a crime is proven in accordance with the law.
The police also urge drivers to be cautious: vehicles must be locked every time, even if left at a store or another establishment for just a few minutes, and under no circumstances should the ignition keys be left inside the cabin. These cases clearly show that criminals need only a few seconds to take advantage of the owner's inattention.
