Runescape Ruffians

(Disclaimer: I don't play Runescape. The only reason I post this is because the Runescape developers are located in Cambridge - which is where I work as well - and because the story is set in The Netherlands - which is where I was born.)

Apparently, two younglings were arrested in Leeuwarden in The Netherlands because they kicked and beat up a 13-year old boy who refused to hand over in-game credits for the game RuneScape the two other boys - aged 14 and 15 - claimed they deserved. They took him to one of their homes and beat him until he relented.

The local police arrested the two and they both confessed to the heinous deed.

I don't really know what to think of this. On the one hand it's sad that it has come to the stage that virtual property is considered worthy enough to beat someone up for. On the other had I think that arresting them and (possibly) causing them to have a criminal record is a bit strong for this. Especially at their age.

Here's the original article by the way. It's in Dutch, so don't say I didn't warn you.