Man admits stealing over €23,000 from fire department, citing wife's health and debts

A 46-year-old man faces charges of aggravated theft for allegedly stealing tools and equipment worth approximately 22,100 euros from the Odranski Obrež Volunteer Fire Department (DVD). The prosecution alleges that between October 28 and 31, 2024, the accused disabled security cameras, broke into the facility, and stole various items from the garage and storage areas.

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I was in a difficult financial situation because I wasn't working. An opportunity presented itself to take some tools to sell them and get money and medicine. And I would also solve some financial problems.

During his defense, the man described severe financial distress as the motive for his actions. He stated he had been unemployed for several months, his wife had suffered two strokes, and he had accumulated debts with loan sharks to cover basic necessities like food and medicine. "I was in a difficult financial situation because I wasn't working," he explained. "An opportunity presented itself to take some tools to sell them and get money and medicine. And I would also solve some financial problems."

The accused admitted to taking all the items listed in the indictment, expressing deep regret for the damage caused to the DVD, where he was once a member. He detailed how he transported the stolen goods in black trash bags to a meadow, then used a friend's car to take them to Jakuševac, where he sold them. He mentioned that his wife is unaware of his actions.

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I admit that I took all the equipment and I deeply regret it because I caused great damage to the DVD, of which I was also a member.

According to the indictment, the stolen items included power saws, a concrete cutter, and various rescue equipment. He also took beer cans and less than 100 euros from the cash register. Following the discovery of the theft, the 46-year-old was expelled from the DVD. Witnesses were questioned during the investigation regarding the sale of some of the stolen goods.

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My wife had two strokes, so I borrowed money from loan sharks to have money for food and medicine. It totals 500 to 600 euros per person, and I had a deadline by which I had to return that money.