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ARCHIVED - Prolific burglar arrested after 23 homes in 3 Alicante towns broken into sparking fear among residents
Several victims in Rojales, Formentera and Benijófar were at home and threatened
A repeat offender with a "lengthy" police record has been arrested in connection with a wave of 23 house burglaries that sparked widespread fear and panic in the Vega Baja towns of Rojales, Formentera and Benijófar.
The suspect allegedly climbed the façades of targeted houses before forcing or breaking doors and windows. On at least 10 occasions, the occupants were at home and were threatened and intimidated into handing over valuables.
The home and car break-ins began mid-January and escalated to the point an emergency meeting of Local Police and Guardia Civil was held last week to "put an end to the crime spree".
Police sources revealed investigators believed one person with addiction problems was behind the wave of burglaries, "someone who does not care that the houses are occupied and who threatens the residents to steal valuables and money".
They also claimed the suspect has climbing skills and "does not over-plan his assaults".
Surveillance was stepped up and on February 11, a 32-year-old Spanish man and "prolific burglar" with at least 50 offences on his criminal record, was arrested after allegedly breaking into a house in Almoradí.At the time of the arrest, he was carrying 1,200 euros in cash.
He appeared before Orihuela Investigating Court No. 2 charged with 23 robberies inside homes and was remanded in jail. Police are still investigating whether the suspect is behind other burglaries and robberies in the Vega Baja region of Alicante province.
In order to prevent home break-ins, the Guardia Civil recommends "always locking the door using the key, not just with the latch, and checking that doors and windows are properly closed".
Image: Guardia Civil
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