Russia detains 31 minors over supermarket theft

Law enforcement officers in Russia have detained 31 minors for stealing food from a supermarket in Vologda, according to the regional Interior Ministry’s press service.

The youngest of those detained was nine years old, while the oldest was 16, Russian media reports.

The minors took chocolate bars, yogurt and fruit without paying at the checkout. They were detained near the supermarket and taken to a police station, where they were questioned in the presence of their legal guardians. The group explained that they had decided to steal the food “spontaneously” while passing by the store.

According to the ministry, the children and teenagers had gathered for a walk after responding to an invitation posted on social media. The administrator of the group where the post was published was also among those detained.

Police are currently assessing the amount of damage caused and conducting preventive discussions with the minors.

By Jeyhun Aghazada