A man has been arrested in Tenerife by the Guardia Civil after allegedly breaking into 27 vehicles near La Tejita beach, one of the most popular coastal areas in the south of the island.
Officers arrested the suspect on suspicion of a continuous offence of theft involving forced entry into vehicles, and investigators have so far linked him to 27 separate car break-ins, which reportedly followed a very similar pattern.
The investigation began after officers noticed an increase in thefts from vehicles in areas close to La Tejita beach, which is particularly busy with residents and tourists.
According to the Guardia Civil, the offences generally took place during weekend afternoons, when the area was at its busiest.
The thief allegedly targeted parked vehicles and smashed one of their windows to gain access, before stealing items left inside.
After identifying the pattern, officers launched an investigation involving surveillance operations and other enquiries in an attempt to identify the person responsible.
During one of these surveillance operations, investigators identified a vehicle which eventually led them to a suspect who already had previous offences for similar crimes, according to the Guardia Civil.
Further evidence gathered during the investigation allegedly connected the man to the series of break-ins, with officers ultimately attributing 27 thefts from vehicles to him.
He was subsequently arrested and, together with the police investigation files, has been placed before the judicial authorities.
The case serves as another reminder for residents and holidaymakers to avoid leaving valuables visible inside parked cars, particularly when visiting busy beaches and tourist attractions.
Items such as handbags, wallets, mobile phones, cameras, backpacks and shopping bags can make vehicles an attractive target, even when they are only left unattended for a short time.
The Guardia Civil also reminds the public that several types of offences can now be reported online in English without visiting a police station, including thefts from inside vehicles. Please go to: https://web.guardiacivil.es/en/index.html
Online reporting is also available for certain cases involving online fraud, damage, theft and stolen vehicles, as well as administrative procedures involving lost or recovered documentation.
Those unable to use the online service can still contact or visit their nearest Guardia Civil station.
