Guardia Civil officers in the Region of Murcia have dismantled a criminal group in San Javier following a series of violent robberies and thefts across the Mar Menor area.

Thirteen young people, aged between 17 and 25 and living in San Javier and Los Alcázares, have been arrested. Investigators believe the group was responsible for 24 offences in San Javier, Los Alcázares and Torrepacheco, including robberies with violence, theft and robbery with force.

The investigation began in January after several residents were assaulted in the street. Officers say the suspects used physical violence and, in some cases, threatened victims with a bladed weapon. One incident involved the occupants of a car that was stopped near the entrance gate of a residential complex.

At the same time, police received reports of electric scooters being stolen from shopping centres and other public places. The operation, codenamed ‘Bagsafe’, has led to the recovery of a mobile phone, a vehicle and several items of jewellery. Officers say the group mainly targeted electric scooters and operated in an organised manner.