Costa News Spain Breaking News | English News in Spain.
In less than one month, a SQUATTER has robbed 21 properties near Denia.
The 31 year old man stole taps and pipe which he then sold at local scrap yards.
The Policia Nacional has identified and arrested a burglary offender with a previous record.
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He identified homes that were vacant and climbed up walls to gain access to them, or he entered through areas less visible to cause material damage.
After entering, he focused on removing the taps and pipes from water and gas systems.
He went so far as to chip away at concrete structures in order to find hidden piping.
A wave of similar robberies in Denia prompted police to launch an investigation.
All the targets were without security systems. They also had metal exterior parts that could be accessed from patios and gardens.
In several cases the man switched off gas or water supplies first before stealing the piping.
Police tracked and matched stolen items sold to scrapyards with the missing items.
For all his efforts, police believe that he only made around €1,500 from the plundered goods, but the damage caused is significantly higher as property owners are still totting up the cost of his visits.
A search revealed that the squatter lived just 900 meters from where many of the robberies took place. Among other tools, crowbars, pipe cutters and wrenches were found.
He had illegally connected electricity to his squat.
The man is charged with multiple counts including robbery and electricity fraud as well as illegal occupation of property.
