The National Police have arrested two Moroccan men, aged forty-nine and thirty-six, in Elche for their alleged involvement in a series of break-ins at rural properties. Police began investigating these unusual occurrences after local residents reported five robberies starting in mid-July. The suspects reportedly used pruning shears to cut through perimeter fences before forcing entry doors with a lever. A characteristic of these incidents was the theft of car keys and remote controls from vehicles parked on the premises.

To select targets, the suspects conducted surveillance on the properties, determining the best time to strike. They took meticulous precautions, often travelling through unpaved country paths in Elche to avoid detection. Following an extensive investigation, officers identified one of the stolen vehicles being used by the suspects, which was connected to other robberies.

After tracking down their addresses and the locations where they stored stolen vehicles, police apprehended the two men. Upon executing search warrants at various premises linked to the suspects, officers recovered several stolen items including seven watches, eleven gold rings, three gold bracelets, a portable gaming console, and four stolen vehicles. One of the men was additionally found to be in an irregular immigration situation, and they now face proceedings in the local court.

The investigation highlights the ongoing issue of rural crime and the efforts of law enforcement to protect local communities from such incidents. Both suspects have been placed at the disposal of the Elche Magistrates’ Court.