A joint operation by the Civil Guard and National Police has dismantled a criminal group specializing in the theft of safes from gas stations, banks, and other businesses across Spain. The gang, active for over a decade, is allegedly responsible for 39 robberies in Alicante and eight other provinces since May 2023, stealing approximately €200,000.
The operation led to the arrest of 12 individuals—seven men and five women of Albanian-Kosovar and Spanish origin—in the Murcian towns of Mazarrón and Librilla. Following their court appearance in Elche, seven were remanded in custody, while the others were released with precautionary measures.
The gang’s modus operandi involved targeting safes in refuelling stations, banks in small municipalities, gambling halls, vehicle purchase franchises, and fast-food restaurants. They executed up to four robberies in a single night across different provinces, including Alicante, Murcia, Seville, Salamanca, León, Ávila, Valladolid, Cantabria, and Burgos. Notably, a single gas station chain suffered 12 robberies nationwide during 2023 and 2024.
Operating from bases in Mazarrón and Librilla, the group used large-cylinder vehicles with frequently altered license plates. They employed sophisticated tools, such as hydraulic clamps similar to those used by firefighters, enabling them to extract safes within four minutes. Their actions caused significant damage to targeted establishments, with one bank incurring over €40,000 in damages.
The investigation, spanning two years, culminated in 14 house searches, yielding nearly €50,000 in cash, 16 vehicles, specialized robbery tools, and other stolen items. Additionally, 19 bank accounts, 17 properties, and 40 vehicles were seized to address potential civil liabilities.
The success of the operation is attributed to the close collaboration between the National Police and the Civil Guard, particularly the Judicial Police Brigade of the Elche Police Station and the UDEV of the Superior Headquarters of Murcia. Their coordinated efforts have effectively dismantled a highly professional and coordinated criminal organization.
