**NICOSIA** – Two teenagers, aged 15 and 16, were detained by Nicosia police on Friday morning after being observed operating motorcycles exhibiting erratic driving behaviour. Subsequent investigations revealed that both vehicles had been reported as stolen earlier in the week, prompting their arrest for flagrant offences. The youths were later released pending further inquiry, with their guardians having been notified and summoned to the central police station.
The incident unfolded at approximately 11:30 AM on Friday, when patrolling officers identified the two minors navigating through Nicosia on motorbikes with engine capacities of 150 cc and 125 cc respectively. Their demonstrably unsafe operation of the vehicles immediately drew the attention of the law enforcement personnel, prompting an immediate stop for inspection. It was during this roadside check that the officers' suspicions were further substantiated.
Upon verifying the vehicle identification numbers, it emerged that the motorcycles were not legitimately in the possession of the teenagers. Records indicated that one motorbike had been reported missing on January 7th, with the second having been flagged as stolen the following day, January 8th. This discovery escalated the situation from a traffic violation to a more serious matter, leading to the immediate apprehension of both minors on charges related to the theft of the vehicles.
Following their detention, the teenagers were transported to the central police station for processing. In line with protocol for minors involved in such incidents, their legal guardians were contacted and requested to attend the station. This ensured that appropriate adult supervision and notification were in place as the investigation commenced.
While the immediate arrest was for flagrant offences, the gravity of the situation lies in the connection to stolen property. The minors were formally taken into custody, but their release later the same day signifies that the investigation is ongoing. They are expected to be formally summoned again in the near future for more comprehensive questioning regarding their alleged involvement with the stolen motorcycles. This process is crucial for establishing the full circumstances surrounding their possession of the vehicles and to determine any potential complicity in the thefts themselves.
The implications of this incident extend beyond the immediate apprehension. The teenagers now face a period of intensified scrutiny as the police work to unravel the full story. Depending on the findings of the ongoing investigation, legal proceedings could be initiated against them. This case highlights recurring concerns regarding juvenile delinquency and vehicle theft within the capital, prompting a renewed focus on proactive policing and community engagement strategies to address such issues. The Nicosia police department has indicated its commitment to thoroughly investigating the matter to its conclusion.