Beachfront gang of child thieves busted

Police have broken up a gang of children, aged 5-16, suspected of a rash of robberies over the busy summer season on the Netanya beach, it was reported on Wednesday.

According to the police, the ringleader, aged 16, used several younger children to scout out the belongings that bathers left on the shore while they were swimming in the sea, Ynet repoted.

After a likely target was identified, the youngest member, aged 5, would do the actual stealing. Police said the leader would pay a nominal amount to his accomplices while keeping the lion’s share for himself.

The gang was caught in a sting operation, after multiple reports prompted police action.