Three men have been arrested in Torrevieja over a series of home burglaries allegedly carried out using the so-called “glue thread” method, a technique used to identify properties whose occupants are away.
The National Police, working jointly with the Basque regional police force, the Ertzaintza, say they have dismantled an itinerant criminal group suspected of targeting homes across several parts of Spain. The operation has so far cleared up 20 burglaries in Alicante, Elche, Alcoy and Bizkaia.
The suspects, aged 33, 34 and 38, are believed to have used Torrevieja as their operational base before travelling to different parts of the country to commit burglaries.
According to investigators, the group placed thin strands of glue between the door and frame of selected homes. They would then return one or several days later to check whether the thread remained intact. If it had not been broken, they assumed nobody had entered the property and that the occupants were likely away.
Police say the suspects then gained entry using non-destructive lock-opening methods. The homes were allegedly chosen according to the type of lock fitted, with the gang using techniques such as “impressioning”, involving adapted master keys and aluminium strips. This allowed doors to be opened without obvious signs of forced entry, meaning many victims only discovered the burglary when they returned home.
Investigators believe the group had a structured hierarchy and clearly divided roles. They also allegedly took steps to avoid detection, including using rental vehicles that were changed frequently to make surveillance and identification more difficult.
The investigation involved officers from the National Police in Alicante, Elche and Cartagena, together with the Ertzaintza. Cooperation with the Basque police allowed detectives to link several burglaries in Bizkaia to the same group.
After identifying the Torrevieja property allegedly used by the suspects as their base, officers obtained judicial authorisation to carry out a search. The operation involved specialist crime officers from the Alicante Provincial Police Station, along with judicial police teams from Elche and Cartagena.
During the search, police seized a range of items including jewellery, watches, cash, keys and tools allegedly used to open doors.
The three detainees are being investigated on suspicion of burglary and membership of a criminal group. Police have so far linked them to eight burglaries in Alicante, six in Elche, one in Alcoy and five in Bizkaia.
The suspects have been brought before the duty courts in Torrevieja.
Police have reminded residents to remain alert, particularly during holiday periods when home burglaries often increase. They recommend checking doors, frames and locks for unusual marks, asking trusted neighbours or relatives to check properties during absences, and immediately reporting any suspicious signs to the authorities.
