A dramatic robbery occurred in the centre of Alicante early yesterday morning, provoked by the sounds of sledgehammers and gunshots during a jewellery store heist involving at least seven masked individuals. After receiving complaints from neighbours, the National Police were able to prevent the robbery. The criminals were able to flee in two vehicles following the arrival of two officers. Despite the officers’ attempts to halt them by firing warning rounds into the air, the criminals disregarded the commands.
On Tuesday morning, April 22nd, the store’s manager said that he was still uncertain as to whether the assailants were able to steal any jewellery from the display window after shattering the security glass with a sledgehammer. The manager reported that the police arrived promptly.
The incident took place at an establishment that specialises in the purchase and sale of antiques, gold, jewellery, and high-end watches at approximately 2:00 AM in the morning. The establishment is situated on Calle Susana Llaneras in Alicante, directly across from the former Jumillano restaurant, and is situated only 300 metres from the Central District Police Station.
According to neighbours and robbery victims, the perpetrators, who were between seven and eight masked individuals, acted in a coordinated manner. A construction sign was erected at the street’s inception to obstruct vehicle access during the burglary and enable the perpetrators to work unimpeded. One vehicle was situated in the middle of the street, in front of the jewellery store, while the other was positioned at the intersection of Avendia Alfonso el Sabio.
Hydraulic forceps, which are frequently employed by firefighters, were in the possession of the assailants, who employed them to elevate the security shutter by a few centimetres. Subsequently, a store manager stated that “a number of individuals raised the shutter, and when they were unable to open the door, they began to strike and break the shop window with sledgehammers and even fire extinguishers.”
Calls made by citizens to the police
The pounding roused numerous neighbours, and the National Police promptly received calls from residents informing them of the situation. The initial officers to appear were two police officers who fled the Central Police Station.
This newspaper was informed by a neighbour who observed the incident from his residence that the criminals continued their activities despite the officers’ arrival. However, as the officers approached and shouted “Stop, Police!” one of them, who appeared to be the ringleader, directed the others to escape.
The assailants proceeded with their escape plan and managed to vanish with the two cars, which will presumably be stolen, despite the police firing shots into the air. The Judicial Police are currently in the process of identifying the criminals, who may be affiliated with a travelling gang that is based outside of Alicante.
