American teen among three accused of Dubai burglary

DUBAI // An American teenager is among three people accused of taking part in the burglary of a grocery store.

The 16-year-old tourist and two of his friends, a Cypriot, 18, and Afghan, 19, broke into a grocery store in Bur Dubai and stole Dh6,500 in cash, Dh3,000 in mobile credit, three ID cards and a charity donation box, Dubai Criminal Court was told.

On April 28, the trio arrived in a rented Range Rover. The American and Afghan allegedly acted as lookouts until their accomplice gained access to the store after breaking into the lock using a screwdriver, according ot court records.

Prosecutors said all three went inside and broke a drawer, in which they found the cash and the other items.

The next morning, police received a report of the incident, and the three defendants were arrested following investigations.

During questioning, prosecutors said, the defendants confessed to robbing the store, and splitting the cash and mobile cards. They are also being investigated for alleged involvement in four similar burglaries.

However, in court on Thursday morning, the Cypriot confessed while the Afghan denied the charges. The American was referred to juvenile court to face a theft charge.

The next hearing will be on September 5.