Brits in Spain have been warned to take caution following a series of targeted robberies on the Costa Del Sol. Two Algerian men, aged 48 and 62, were arrested by the Guardia Civil in connection with 84 home robberies in less than a year in the popular tourist destination.
The thieves reportedly snuck into expats’ holiday homes in Javea using plastic cards or screwdrivers to break entry, referred to as the ‘slip method’. Expensive luxury items including jewellery, high-end watches, electronic devices, money, branded clothing and accessories were recovered in police raids, with some returned to their owners.
After being alerted in July last year about two break-ins at unoccupied homes, the Guardia Civil has been gathering intelligence and carrying out surveillance as part of Operation Tafi24.
Officers arrested and detained the suspects on April 9 during three raids at two properties in Alicante City and another in Villajoyosa.
The operation involved officers from the Barcelona Reserve and Security Group (GRS), units in Alicante and Torrevieja, and the specialised Canine Unit for detecting banknotes.
Detainees have been brought before the Dénia court, which has ordered for provisional imprisonment.
Law enforcement believes it has dismantled a criminal cell in the region, and it has emphasised the importance of public cooperation.
The Guardia Civil has encouraged the public to report any suspicious activity, which it acknowledged was key to the operation’s success.