A Squatter, 21 Burgled Homes, and a Route to the Scrap Dealer in Dénia

He had accumulated 21 burglaries in detached homes in Dénia in just a month, most of them less than a kilometre from the property he was squatting in. His targets were taps, pipes, and other metal elements of water and gas installations. According to investigations, the stolen material was sold in local scrap yards, which was key for the National Police to identify and arrest him.

The arrested man, aged 31, who had technical plumbing knowledge, took advantage of the residents' absence to access the properties by climbing the perimeter wall or from less visible areas, forcing entry and causing significant material damage, according to police sources.

Once inside, he focused on stealing taps, pipes, and other metal elements of water and gas installations, even breaking concrete blocks to access hidden conduits, the same sources indicate.

The investigation was launched after a noticeable increase in this type of burglary, all with a consistent pattern of operation. The Judicial Police Group of the National Police Station in Dénia mapped the incidents and established spatial and temporal links between the cases.

The affected homes lacked surveillance and had accessible exterior metal elements from patios or gardens. Moreover, in several instances, it was observed that water and gas had been shut off before the theft, leading investigators to consider that the perpetrator might have technical plumbing knowledge.

The proceedings allowed for the creation of a morphological profile of the alleged perpetrator, achieving full identification in a few days. Simultaneously, a follow-up of similar objects sold in local scrap yards was conducted, verifying matches with stolen items.

The estimated financial gain obtained by the detainee was around 1,500 euros. Although the victims have not yet been able to provide a total assessment of the damages, it is suspected that these would far exceed the benefit obtained by the perpetrator. The breaking of structures and fixed materials in the homes has caused significant damage.

The perpetrator was arrested in less than a month. According to investigation sources, he lived in a squatted property located just 900 metres from the area most affected by the burglaries. During the search of the residence, various tools compatible with those used in the incidents were seized: pipe cutters, wrenches, crowbars, and other hand tools. It was also found that there was an illegal connection to the electrical grid.

The arrested individual, who had a criminal record for property crimes, is charged with burglary, electricity fraud, and illegal occupation of property. After his arrest, he was brought before the Duty Court of Instruction in Dénia, where the case will continue to be instructed and other possible related incidents assessed.

The National Police remind the public of the importance of adopting preventive measures during prolonged absences, especially in isolated homes or those with access from open spaces.

Additionally, any citizen who has been a victim of similar burglaries is invited to visit the nearest National Police Station to file a report. Providing information, even if repairs have been made, can be crucial in solving other pending cases.