Failed Disguise
Palestinian Teen Tries to Infiltrate Har Nof on Shabbat
16-year-old caught by patrol officers moments before stealing vehicle; disguises fail to conceal intentions
A 16-year-old Palestinian, illegally present in Israel, was arrested by Jerusalem District patrol officers in the Har Nof neighborhood late Saturday night, moments before carrying out an attempted car theft, police reported Sunday.
The suspect attempted to blend in by wearing a white knitted kippah and carrying a cellphone, an unusual sight on Shabbat that immediately drew the attention of alert officers. When questioned, the teen struggled to respond in Hebrew and eventually answered in Arabic, further raising suspicion.
A search revealed burglary tools, a car computer device, a window-breaking tool, and a duplicated key.
The suspect was taken in for questioning at the Moriah Police Station. He was identified as a Palestinian resident of the West Bank and was subsequently jailed. His detention was extended by four days, until December 2, to allow the investigation to continue.
Police emphasized that the operation was part of ongoing efforts across the Jerusalem District to prevent property crimes, including vehicle thefts.