Six arrests in operation against gang of thieves breaking into properties across Spain

GUARDIA Civil made six arrests in an operation against a gang suspected of breaking into dozens of properties in eight Spanish provinces.

The Guardia launched operation Esomon after a hit on a property in Guardamar del Segura near Torrevieja in December. The owner surprised one of the robbers, who injured him with a screwdriver before making off.

Subsequent investigations led to the identification of two of the thieves in Batres south of Madrid. It emerged they were members of a highly organised Columbian criminal group operating across the country.

The Guardia reported the gang of four men and a woman targeted properties after the occupants had left for work, using a sophisticated tool which allowed them to open all kinds of locks. Once inside they stole expensive items like jewellery, electronic devices, designer clothes and bags, which they sold to a businessman in Coslada in Madrid.

They also took personal documentation. According to the Guardia the female gang member fraudulently used the documents to finance purchases of high-end goods, including furniture, sunglasses and mobile phones.

Three of the suspected gang members were detained in Valencia following a car chase through the city streets after they had carried out a series of robberies in Xativa. The detentions of the other two members and the businessman receiving the stolen goods followed three days later in Madrid.

The Guardia said they believed the gang were responsible for break-ins in Alicante, Valencia, Ciudad Real, Cuenca, Valladolid, Lugo, Madrid and Toledo.