Frankfurt/Main (dpa/lhe) – The trial against a group of four suspected serial burglars was opened on Wednesday before the Frankfurt Regional Court. The accused, between 29 and 31 years old, are charged with nine home burglaries, during which they are said to have stolen jewelry, cash and coins totaling almost 244,000 euros between May and July last year. On the first day of the hearing, the men did not comment on the allegations.

The men were arrested last November during a burglary in Hanover. According to the investigation, loot from Frankfurt crimes also came to light during apartment searches. In addition, the public prosecutor’s office relies on various DNA traces of the accused, which could be secured at the Frankfurt crime scenes.

The accused are said to have gotten into the apartments of the apartment buildings via the apartment doors with the help of crowbars. In several cases they were observed by witnesses. Whether all the accused were involved in all the burglaries is to be clarified in the process. The court faces an extensive hearing of evidence with six follow-up dates through the end of September.