Two men have been arrested in Valle San Lorenzo, in the south of Tenerife, after they were allegedly caught attempting to break into and illegally occupy an empty apartment using a hammer and chisel.

The arrests were made by the Local Police of Arona following a call to the 112 Emergency Coordination Centre (CECOES) from concerned neighbours who reported suspicious activity at a property on Calle Llano Mora.

Caught in the act

When officers arrived at the scene, they found a motorcycle parked nearby and two men standing outside the entrance to the property.

Police say one of the suspects was using a hammer and chisel to force open the front door, damaging the metal door frame and the lock cylinder in an apparent attempt to gain entry.

When questioned, both men reportedly admitted they were not the owners of the property and had no legal right to enter. They told officers they wanted to get inside so they would have somewhere to sleep.

Property used for storage

Officers later contacted the property's owner, who confirmed that although the building was not being used as a permanent residence, it was regularly used as a storage unit for personal belongings.

Given the evidence at the scene, police arrested both men for criminal damage and attempted unlawful occupation of a property.

The pair were taken to the local police station, where the necessary reports were completed before the case was handed over to the judicial authorities.

Arona Town Hall praised the swift response by officers, saying their prompt intervention prevented the illegal occupation and protected the owner's property.