Around two tonnes of copper were allegedly stolen from street lighting and electric vehicle chargers, causing damage estimated at more than €100,000
Two men have been arrested in connection with a series of copper thefts targeting public lighting systems and electric vehicle charging points in towns across inland Alicante and neighbouring Valencia.
The suspects, aged 21 and 41 and both residents of Alcoy, are accused of carrying out 13 theft-related offences between March and May 2026.
Investigators believe around 2,000 kilograms of copper cable were stolen, with the cost of the thefts and damage to public infrastructure potentially exceeding €100,000.
The affected Alicante province municipalities include Alcoleja, Alfafara, Almudaina, Campo de Mirra, Fageca, Famorca, Gorga, Xàbia and Planes.
Arrested after alleged theft in Xàbia
The Guardia Civil launched Operation Alphacob after detecting a rise in cable thefts from street lighting and public electric vehicle chargers in small inland towns.
The investigation was led by the ROCA rural crime team in Ibi, with support from officers in Muro de Alcoy and Alcoy Local Police.
According to investigators, the suspects allegedly sold stolen copper at recycling and metal-processing centres in the Alcoy and Ibi areas within hours of each theft.
The pair were arrested during the early hours of May 20 as they returned from an alleged theft in Xàbia.
Officers recovered around 200 metres of cable reportedly taken that night. Tools and the vehicle allegedly used in the offences were also seized.
The investigation also links the suspects to thefts in Bélgida, Carrícola, El Palomar and Otos in Valencia province.
Both men appeared before the duty court in Alcoy and were released subject to precautionary measures while proceedings continue.
The Guardia Civil has urged residents to report suspicious activity involving public cables or scrap metal, warning that such thefts can disrupt essential services including street lighting.
