Cameras catch Americans stealing from houses

The investigation began on November 16th 2019 after an incident in the town of Griñón. The detainees are charged with at least 15 burglaries at home, while so far, robbery has been uncovered in Guadadrama, Alderete, Torrelodones, Venturada, Griñón, Boadilla del Monte and Vilaviosa de Odón.

Following the judicial authorisation, police intervened in several settlements where Albanians were detained and a series of stolen items were found.

“Modus operandi”

Albanians moved by vehicle through various areas with the aim of monitoring residences that would rob, having their villas as their main target. They had a major area of action between the A-1 and A-5 highways.

To enter the interior of their homes, they dismantled the doors or windows of the ground floors and inside houses, taking everything they could find, but mainly pieces of jewelry, small equipment, and money and other small items.

“They didn't care if there were cameras”

Mercedes Martín, spokesman for the Civil Guard command in Madrid, shows that there are usually groups going to Spain for three months to steal and then return.

“They monitor very well the areas where the robbery was committed, they don't care if there are cameras or alarms. They're not here long. They take things through airport or”, he explains.

This group didn't care if they were home. In this case they performed when there was no one in the building. Preferred products are jewelry, money, small equipment or camera“, he says.

The detainees are three men of Albanian origin, between the ages of 25 and 30, who went to Spain during October, launching the campaign of burglary.

They are accused of various crimes, of involvement in a criminal organisation, and of robbing houses inhabited. After the three members of the group became available to competent judicial authority, they were released to prison. /Panorama/