The Guardia Civil has arrested two individuals, aged 21 and 41, who are suspected of committing a dozen copper thefts involving public street lighting and outdoor electric vehicle chargers in various municipalities across the Alicante and Valencia provinces.
Between March and May of this year, the armed institute detected an increase in these offences, during which the thieves stole approximately 2,000 kilograms of copper. After analysing the events, officers estimated that the financial damage caused to the different local councils could exceed 100,000 euro.
The specific nature of the thefts and the locations selected strongly indicated from the outset that the same perpetrators were involved. Consequently, the Roca Team of the Ibi Company launched Operation Alphacob to investigate the incidents, according to a statement issued by the Guardia Civil.
The operation ran for several weeks and involved collaboration with officers from the Muro de Alcoy post and the Alcoi Local Police. Investigations included taking statements from witnesses, analysing gathered evidence, and conducting surveillance, which ultimately led to the identification of two men residing in Alcoi.
Enquiries confirmed that, within a few hours of each theft, the copper was allegedly sold at various treatment and recycling centres in the Alcoi and Ibi areas, the Guardia Civil noted.
In the early hours of 20 May, officers set up a surveillance operation targeting the suspects. They were arrested whilst returning from committing a theft, which on this occasion took place in the Alicante town of Javea.
At the time of the arrest, approximately 200 metres of cabling, which was allegedly stolen that same night, was recovered. Officers also seized various tools and the vehicle that they apparently used to commit the offences.
Both individuals have been charged with 13 counts of robbery and theft committed in the Alicante towns of Alcoleja, Alfafara, Almudaina, El Camp de Mirra, Fageca, Famorca, Gorga, Javea, and Planes, as well as in the Valencia municipalities of Belgida, Carricola, El Palomar, and Otos.
Following their appearance before the Civil and Criminal Investigation Section of the Court of First Instance of Alcoi, acting whilst on duty, the two arrested men were released with precautionary measures imposed.
