Increase in Violent Robberies at Spanish Gambling Halls May Soon Decrease
A spree of robberies that's been troubling Murcia, Spain, took a new turn on Tuesday. This wave of thefts, which have left authorities baffled for months, hit three gambling establishments across the region, but the cops managed to catch the culprits soon after.
These robberies seemed to be part of a series of thefts that have confounded the authorities for quite some time. Yet, the crooks left traces that made it simpler for the cops to intervene and dismantle a portion of the suspected gang.
The gang adopted a similar strategy to that of a group that went missing years ago, leaving a trail of destruction in the region. The raiders who carried out the recent gambling hall heists were driving a Porsche, just like their predecessors. This distinctive vehicle is hard to forget.
Quick-Fire Heists
The thieves started their day early on Tuesday when they struck a betting den in San Javier, as per sources. They were in and out in no time, and the authorities haven't provided details about what exactly was stolen. They only mentioned that several employees were injured after three masked men stormed the premises, with a fourth waiting outside for an easy escape.
Next, the robbers moved on to their second target. Security cameras captured them breaking into the venue. Inside, they destroyed a slot machine and tried to open a safe using hydraulic cutters, similar to the ones firefighters use to rescue accident victims trapped in vehicles.
However, the safe remained closed, so the team of at least four men fled within less than five minutes. A few minutes later, the police arrived on the scene, responding to the establishment's alarm.
The gang continued their criminal activities and hit another gambling establishment, robbing it swiftly before making a quick exit. After this heist, and as a sign of their true nature, the group returned to the first establishment they hit.
There, they reportedly encountered the same employees they had assaulted earlier. It's unclear if they attempted another heist, but they fled before the police could arrive.
The End of Their Reign
The police are working to dismantle a large criminal organization that has been active in various parts of Spain. They suspect the gang responsible for the heists at the gambling establishments is a part of this same organization. Now, after months of constant attacks in different parts of Murcia, it appears that the end of their reign may be near.
Apart from gambling establishments, the group has targeted gas stations and other commercial businesses. Following the heists at the gambling properties on Tuesday, the Spanish Civil Guard took over several municipalities in the region to trap the gang. The operation resulted in 15 raids and at least 11 arrests, as per law enforcement officials.
The raids happened before dawn, only hours after the third gambling establishment heist. The operation, led by the Judicial Police, involved nearly a hundred officers, with the Civil Guard needing backup from other regions like Andalusia, Valencia, and Zaragoza.
The raids were a result of an investigation that began around three months ago, when reports of assaults on local businesses started to rise. The authorities seized electronic devices and other equipment they claim to be linked to the crimes. But the investigation continues.
The operation, which is under a gag order, is still ongoing, according to a government representative.
