Briton and son arrested over thefts
A BRITISH mum and her son are amongst six suspects rounded up in Torrevieja for allegedly stealing mopeds and motorcycles around the south of Alicante province and Murcia, the Guardia Civil revealed yesterday (Thursday).
The force had noticed an increase in these thefts in the Vega Baja area in November, and the investigation centred on a 22-year-old British resident of Torrevieja, who fled at high speed when he noticed officers, putting other road users in danger, according to a spokesman for the force.
Officers found two of the stolen motorcycles in the doorway of the suspects’ family home, where they also noticed a large number of young people coming and going with motorbikes and mopeds.
They searched the house on November 26, arresting the young man and his 42-year-old mother, who allegedly provided him with logistical support.
A total of 11 motorcycles were seized, some of them from the house and others parked in different streets around the province, as well as motor vehicle parts, number plates and
documentation. The investigation continued in order to find other gang members who were getting rid of stolen goods which were still in their possession. The young British man was arrested again on February 10, along with an 18-yearold Belgian man also implicated in the thefts.
Furthermore, at Torrevieja Guardia Civil station, a 45-yearold Spanish woman and two minors were investigated for putting stolen goods on the black market. These further investigations led to another 10 stolen motorcycles and parts from stolen vehicles being recovered. Some of the gang members have previous police records and, depending on their level of involvement, are accused of 35 property crimes, falsifying documentation, reckless driving, driving without a licence and belonging to a criminal organisation.
A court in Torrevieja released them all, subject to precautionary measures, and the prosecution service for minors has been informed. The 21 vehicles and some of the objects recovered – which had been stolen in Torrevieja, Guardamar del Segura, Elche, Santa Pola, Orihuela, Alicante and Murcia – have been returned to their owners. Guardia Civil have not ruled out the possibility of there being more victims.