Operation against theft of metal materials
Authorities recently arrested a group of six individuals in Hospitalet de Llobregat, between the ages of 19 and 40, which seem to be involved in a scheme of robberies aimed at metal companies in the Baix Camp.
The beginning of the investigation
The investigation began after two robberies and aft that took place between mid -January and early February this year. The affected locations include Riudoms, Reus and La Selva del Camp. The detainees operated methodically, using several vehicles to move from one place to another.
Criminal methodology
The main purpose of the robberies was to obtain copper, aluminum and other metals, which were later sold to railways in the Barcelona Metropolitan Region or to trusted people linked to illegal trade.
Details of the robberies
The first incident took place on January 15 at 17:00, when the thieves accessed a warehouse in Riudoms and fled with construction material. Another robbery occurred on February 2 in Reus, where criminals disused an alarm system, forced a wall and stolen metal pieces valued at 267,000 euros.
The last robbery took place on February 6, when the detainees loaded a van with about 300 kilos of junk from a company in the Polygon of La Selva del Camp, valued at 500 euros.
Interstitutical collaboration
The research has been strengthened by the collaboration of patrols in the Regional Operational Resources Area (ARRO) and agents of the Guàrdia Urbana, who have provided key information to identify and intercept the group members on several occasions.
Future of research
The stroke of the arrest took place on February 27, and the six men, with a history of up to twenty-five background, have been made available to the Court of Instruction. The research is still open with the aim of locating other possible collaborators in these criminal activities.
A persistent problem
These incidents highlight the persistence of metal robberies, a problem that affects both companies and the community at large. The need for collective effort to combat this type of crime is becoming more and more evident.