As part of Operation “Gasfilter-Seagas” in the provinces of Murcia and Alicante, the Guardia Civil has arrested four members of a criminal organisation that specialises in robberies at houses, businesses and petrol stations. In the provinces of Alicante, Murcia, AlmerĂa, Granada, Albacete, and Cuenca, over 100 robberies have been solved.
During three raids—two in Beniel, Murcia, and one in Palomares, AlmerĂa—more than €12,000, two cars, almost fifty pieces of jewellery, and a number of garments that the suspects in the thefts had worn were taken. Additionally, approximately 30 stolen cars that the gang used to carry out the thefts were found.
An investigation was started after multiple gas station break-ins in the regions of Murcia and Alicante in July. After gathering data, police were able to identify a similar pattern among the robberies.
Early in the morning, the suspects drove to petrol stations in stolen cars. Within a few minutes of arriving, they broke in and stole the cash register and cigarette vending machines using sledgehammers or other like equipment. The stolen goods were then taken to remote locations, where they were emptied and left behind.
It should be mentioned that the criminal organisation carried out the robberies in the provinces of AlmerĂa, Murcia, Alicante, Albacete, and Cuenca between September and November.
Nearly 80,000 euros were taken from a Murcian petrol station
Officers confiscated a suspect’s cell phone during one of the robberies in the province of Granada. According to information gleaned from the gadget, a petrol station in the Murcian neighbourhood of Llano de Brujas was the target of a violent robbery in which a number of armed individuals wearing masks stole about €80,000.
With the use of the photos, the agents were able to learn that the criminal organisation was not only stealing automobiles and petrol stations, but also robbing restaurants and even homes without hesitation. Their goal was to acquire cash and goods, particularly jewellery, that could be readily sold on the illicit market.
The criminal group concentrated its operations in the Murcian towns of Lorca and MazarrĂłn in November and December, committing many thefts at petrol stations and rural homes. Additionally, they stole cash, jewellery, and two cars from homes in the Albacete municipalities of Cancarix, AgramĂłn, and Tobarra between the early hours of Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.
Caught on the way to AlmerĂa
Two of the arrests took place when two suspects were driving to AlmerĂa, where they were reportedly planning to relocate. Officers found a lot of stolen jewellery under the seats when they searched the car. Two more were subsequently taken into custody in Cartagena (Murcia) and San Javier.
This criminal organisation functioned on a movable basis but had its headquarters in the provinces of Murcia and Alicante. Its members had a long history of criminal activity. They used strict security procedures to carry out the robberies, including driving in stolen cars with their number plates hidden and regularly switching their phone number and device.
Over 100 robberies at petrol stations, shops, and residences in the provinces of Murcia (50), Alicante (20), AlmerĂa (12), Granada (ten), Albacete (seven), and Cuenca (three) have been investigated thus far by the Civil Guard.
Robbery with force, robbery with violence and intimidation, car theft, receiving stolen items, and membership in a criminal organisation are among the charges against the inmates.
Agents from the Judicial Police of the Guardia Civil of Murcia and Alicante conducted the operation.
This article, Criminal group who robbed petrol stations, businesses and homes has been dismantled. can be read on the originsl source website, Costa Blanca Daily.
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