The Guardia Civil has arrested a man accused of committing 20 robberies in tourist apartments and complexes in Yaiza, in Lanzarote. The suspect, a 36-year-old male, faces multiple charges including forced robberies, burglaries involving scaling walls, and thefts.
Police estimate the total value of the stolen items to be approximately 25,000 euros. The robber targeted four hotel establishments in Playa Blanca, disrupting the local tourism sector and causing considerable financial losses to the businesses involved.
Modus Operandi
The perpetrator employed sophisticated methods to execute his crimes. In several instances, he scaled walls exceeding three metres in height to gain unauthorised access to the premises.
Additionally, he forcibly broke windows and sliding doors to enter apartments, often committing thefts in apartments or rooms where doors or windows had been left open.
His tactics demonstrated a high level of planning and audacity, posing a significant challenge to local security measures.
Investigation and Apprehension
During one of the incidents, the suspect was confronted by a person on an upper floor, prompting him to flee the scene and abandon a bag containing items from previous robberies. This critical piece of evidence helped officers with the ongoing investigation.
Further probing revealed that the accused was a familiar figure to the security forces, which likely contributed to his eventual arrest. The Guardia Civil are continuing to investigate the full extent of the robberies and are working to recover the stolen property.
Community Impact
The series of robberies has heightened concerns among local businesses and tourists alike, prompting calls for enhanced security measures in hospitality establishments. The Guardia Civil has assured the public that they are intensifying their efforts to prevent future incidents and ensure the safety of both residents and visitors.
