In the same operation, the officers of the Criminal Investigation Centre of Vila Real identified and constituted two more teenagers, also 18 years old, accused also for the suspicion of several thefts.

GNR said in a statement that the investigation for theft was carried out for about three months.

In this context, on Tuesday, 4 March, two house searches and three vehicle searches were carried out, that culminated in the seizure of three weapons and various items for construction and stolen DIY.

According to GNR, the defendants are suspected of practicing "at least" 13 thefts, which occurred over the past year, in various locations in the municipality of Vila Real.

This police force also referred that “the material seized corresponds to some of the thefts consummated, including from inside a church located in the municipality of Sabrosa”.

The detainee will be present at the Judicial Court of Vila Real for the application of possible enforcement measures.

The operation included the reinforcement of military personnel from the Territorial Posts of Mondim de Basto, Vila Real, Vila Pouca de Aguiar and the Environmental Protection Centre of Vila Real.