The Guardia Civil has apprehended five individuals suspected of committing 49 robberies in various public establishments on the island of Tenerife. They are now facing charges related to their involvement in a criminal gang and offences of property damage. The investigation, called Operation "Pulover", started in June following reports of alleged thefts in several businesses, revealing a pattern of systematic criminal activity.
The suspects used large sledgehammers to gain access to the premises by breaking through entrance doors and subsequently raiding slot machines to steal the collected cash.
To avoid identification, they concealed their identities with balaclavas, distinctive clothing, and gloves. They also utilized rental cars, regularly changing vehicles to hinder police investigations.
The crimes occurred in 14 localities across Tenerife, with the majority concentrated in the southern part of the island, including Santiago del Teide, Guía de Isora, Adeje, Arona, Granadilla de Abona, San Miguel de Abona, Arico, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Tegueste, La Guancha, Santa Úrsula, Victoria del Acentejo, El Sauzal, Tacoronte, Santa Úrsula, and Icod de los Vinos, illustrating the high mobility of the criminals.
Three residential searches were conducted in San Isidro (Granadilla de Abona), El Sobradillo, and Barrio de la Alegría (Santa Cruz). During these searches, numerous coins and notes, believed to be from the slot machines, were discovered.
Additionally, sports clothing with security devices and labels from a well-known sports chain were found, along with the tools and clothing used by the suspects during the commission of the crimes.
The Guardia Civil says they have successfully resolved a total of 49 robbery cases, involving approximately €60,000 in stolen cash from slot machines, sports clothing valued at €21,000, and estimated damages reaching €80,000 due to the violence employed during the offences.
The operation was conducted by the Guía de Isora Investigation Area, with the collaboration of agents from the Playa de las Americas station, Puerto de la Cruz, the Territorial Judicial Police Team of Puerto de la Cruz, and the Citizen Security Unit (USECIC) of the Santa Cruz de Tenerife Command.
It was overseen by the Instruction Court No. 2 of Arona, which ordered the remand without bail of two of the detainees, while the remaining three were released pending charges.
