The Guardia Civil have arrested three men over a burglary at a farmhouse in Hondón de los Frailes, in the province of Alicante.

The investigation began after the break-in was reported on 24 February. Intruders are believed to have forced entry to the property and stolen several items, including a hunting shotgun, an air rifle and copper wiring. Officers from the ROCA rural crime team in Ibi and the investigation unit in Aspe led the inquiry.

Part of the stolen copper cable was traced to a local recycling centre, helping officers to identify those allegedly involved. Between 26 February and 9 March, three men aged 28, 33 and 39 were arrested. Around 65 kilos of copper cable and the air rifle were recovered during the operation.

One of the suspects later handed in the shotgun at a Guardia Civil station. It has since been returned to its owner. The three men have appeared before a court in Novelda and were released with precautionary measures while they await trial. One of them also faces a charge of illegal possession of weapons.