Residents of Thrakomakedones—a suburban area on the western outskirts of Thessaloniki—were left shaken after a brazen attempted burglary that escalated into a frightening confrontation. According to security camera footage and testimony from the homeowner, five masked individuals circled her residence late one evening, apparently targeting the property for a break-in.
Confrontation at the Perimeter
The woman, who was inside the house at the time, noticed the suspects and immediately went outside to confront them. ‘I saw a man crouching down wearing a helmet,’ she told MEGA. ‘I took a step back when I realized there were others with him—and then I spotted their car. We shouted at them to leave. At that moment, one of them climbed over the fence and ended up with one foot in the garden and the other still outside.’
Escalation and Chemical Spray
The situation rapidly deteriorated. Ignoring the homeowner’s presence, one suspect—who had not yet fully entered the property—sprayed her with an unknown liquid. ‘He hadn’t crossed the fence completely yet—but he sprayed us with some kind of substance,’ she recounted. ‘We didn’t experience any respiratory or skin symptoms. I called the police right away.’
Aborted Attempt and Community Concern
The group ultimately abandoned their attempt and fled upon realizing that other people were inside the home. While no injuries were reported and no one was arrested at the scene, the incident has stirred alarm among local residents. Many are now calling for increased police presence and more frequent patrols in Thrakomakedones—a neighborhood increasingly concerned about rising property crime.