The authorities in Tenerife have banned a man from being in the tourist areas of Masca, following his arrest for two recent thefts and a long history of over 200 similar offences.
The Guardia Civil in Buenavista del Norte arrested the man, identified only by the initials M.S., after he was linked to two incidents that occurred earlier this month at the popular Altos de Baracán viewpoint, located on the TF-436 road.
According to an official statement from the Local Council, the suspect faces charges of theft and criminal damage.
On 13th April, a holidaymaker reported that €400 in cash and a mobile phone valued at €300 had been stolen from her rental vehicle. Two days later, a second tourist reported that the window of her rental car had been smashed at the same viewpoint.
Crucially, one of the victims had captured a photograph of the suspect by chance, which later aided police in identifying him. The image led to M.S. being recognised by one of the victims during a photographic identification process.
The arrest took place on Monday (21st April), when the suspect was found near the Mirador de Cruz de Hilda, also in Masca, where he was allegedly observing parked rent-a-cars at the time.
Authorities report that M.S. has an extensive criminal record, with over 200 offences documented in police records, mostly involving theft and break-ins targeting vehicles. The majority of these crimes were committed in the Masca area, and he has previously been arrested 44 times for similar acts.
In response to the persistent nature of the offences and the concern caused among both residents and visitors, the Guardia Civil requested a judicial order to prevent the individual from returning to the areas where he is known to operate.
The request was granted in full by the Court of Instruction No. 1 in Icod de los Vinos, which imposed a restraining order barring M.S. from approaching key tourist areas in Masca.
