The Guardia Civil has dismantled a travelling criminal gang that specialised in breaking into residential properties. The operation resulted in the arrest of six men, aged between 24 and 60, who are accused of committing more than 20 offences across several Spanish provinces.
The investigation has successfully clarified robberies in Alicante, Córdoba, Granada, Jaén, Málaga, Murcia, Salamanca and Valladolid. According to the data collected so far, the raids caused a financial loss to the victims exceeding 800,000 euro.
Thefts in occupied homes and villas
The investigation, named Operation Cabeter, began in September after a series of robberies were detected in occupied homes, primarily villas, in various municipalities within the Alicante province. Based on these initial enquiries, investigators identified an organised group acting in a coordinated manner across different parts of the country.
The suspects used high-end vehicles for travel and adopted strict security measures to avoid being found. These included counter-surveillance manoeuvres and the use of communication systems to coordinate their crimes.
The group had clearly defined roles. Their primary method involved entering homes by climbing or by forcing open doors and windows. To do this, they utilised specialised tools and systems designed to neutralise alarms.
Vehicle equipped to change number plates
During the operation, officers searched a rural house in Peguerinos, in the province of Ávila, which the gang used as their base. It was there that the four main suspects were arrested. Two other suspects were detained in Arroyomolinos, in the Community of Madrid.
In the search, officers seized numerous items related to the robberies, including jewellery, watches, cash, tools and equipment used to test the purity of precious metals.
They also discovered a high-end vehicle fitted with a system that allowed the registration plates to be changed quickly. This mechanism made it easy to display false plates and made it difficult to identify the car while it was travelling.
Four detainees sent to prison
The six detainees are accused of belonging to a criminal group, robbery with force and the falsification of documents. After appearing in court, four of them were remanded in custody. The other two were released under judicial measures.
The investigation was carried out by the Property Crimes Team of the Organic Judicial Police Unit of the Alicante Command and the Territorial Judicial Police Team of Almoradí. Specialist units of the Guardia Civil from various provinces also collaborated in the operation.
