The reign of terror caused by a gang who broke into houses in Calasparra, twice assaulting the occupants, came to an abrupt end this week as the Guardia Civil arrested seven local men.
The men, all Calasparrians aged between 21 and 29 years old and with previous convictions, were arrested in connection with four local burglaries, two using violence and two using force, and stolen effects have been recovered.
The police operation began in January when a wave of burlgaries in the Calasparra area caused panic and alarm among residents.
The modus operandi of the gang was to carry out survelliance of the properties and assess
access and escape routes. Once a property had been selected the gang studied the routines and habits of the owners in order to identify the best time to break in undetected. During the burglaries one member of the gang stood on watch while the rest entered the properties using force.
Generally the crimes were carried out at night when windows or doors were forced and small domestic appliances; mney, jewellery and any other valuable effects were stolen. After the robberies the gang attempted to sell the the ítems on the black market.
According to the Guardia Civil several householders were injured during the robberies as the gang used violence to overpower or push past anyone trying to protect their belongings. These victims were key to the consequent arrest of the gang who have appeared before a magistrate and are now being detained.
The Guardia Civil searched the headquarters of the gang and have found video games consuls; cameras; music systems; and tools. They also found binoculars and tools used to commit the crimes.
The investigation was carried out by agents in Calasparra and Caravaca.
