The Local Police in Villajoyosa have arrested a man suspected of carrying out a break-in at a cafe on Calle Colón during the early hours of yesterday, Wednesday May 13th. The individual is believed to be the same person previously detained by the Guardia Civil on April 27th in connection with an attempted robbery at a local bakery and three other thefts in the town.
Officers were alerted to the incident after receiving a report that a robbery was in progress and that a suspect had been seen fleeing the scene on foot. Upon arriving at the premises, police discovered significant damage, including a smashed front window. A sledgehammer, thought to have been used to gain entry, was recovered from inside the cafe. Officers also noted that the cash register had been disturbed and coins were scattered across the floor.
Witnesses provided a physical description of the suspect and his clothing, prompting a search operation involving officers on foot and in patrol vehicles throughout the town centre. During the operation, police stopped several vehicles in the area. In one car, they identified a passenger who matched the description provided by members of the public.
A search of the vehicle uncovered a crumpled bag containing coins. The driver of the car informed officers that the bag did not belong to him and had been dropped by the passenger as the vehicle was being pulled over. The 45-year-old suspect was subsequently arrested and handed over to the Guardia Civil, who are now leading the investigation.
According to municipal sources, the man has an extensive criminal record involving property crimes, including robbery with violence, intimidation, fraud, and theft. He had recently appeared before a judge in Villajoyosa following his April arrest and was released on bail with precautionary measures at that time.
The Councillor for Public Safety, Jaime Santamaría, praised the swift action of the force and noted that public cooperation was essential in locating the suspect so quickly after the alarm was raised.