The National Police have apprehended four individuals, accused of stealing eight tonnes of copper wiring from various businesses and petrol stations in Madrid and Oviedo. The thefts led to significant disruptions, leaving numerous shops without electricity and inflicting economic damages exceeding seventy thousand euros, as reported by the Madrid High Police Headquarters.

The investigation commenced in June, following a notable rise in copper wire thefts in the region. The suspects employed a consistent method, forcing open access points, cutting the wiring, and leaving the site temporarily to check for any triggered alarms. They then returned disguised as workers to extract the copper.

These individuals have been linked to seven thefts across locations including Fuenlabrada, San Agustín de Guadalix, and Oviedo. The arrests took place on the thirtieth of July after authorities pinpointed the scrapyard where the stolen copper was being sold, situated in San Fernando de Henares. During the raid, the police recovered eight tonnes of copper wiring valued at over twenty thousand euros.

Additionally, the scrapyard was operating without a sales register, as it had been sanctioned and was not permitted to conduct business activities. This led to the arrest of the shop’s manager in connection with the incident.