Theft and Larceny
69 newsIt keeps the Spanish angle clear, linking public decisions, local events and everyday practical impact.
Guardia Civil arrests five over 40 converter thefts
Investigators linked a Madrid-region group to catalytic-converter thefts across several provinces. Five men were arrested in Mejorada del Campo, with 40 property offences attributed to the group.
Guardia Civil breaks up catalytic converter theft gang in Spain
A mobile gang stripping catalytic converters from parked cars has been busted by the Guardia Civil after a string of thefts across Zaragoza, Palencia, Granada, and Valladolid. The crackdown exposes how these car parts became a magnet for thieves.
Guardia Civil busts Madrid-based gang behind catalytic converter thefts across Spain
A Madrid gang accused of ripping catalytic converters from parked cars in several Spanish provinces has been broken up by the Guardia Civil. The crackdown sheds light on dozens of thefts and the growing problem of car part crime.
Copper thefts cripple Spanish infrastructure and electric mobility
Spain faces a surge in copper thefts targeting construction sites, railways, and solar farms. The crime wave disrupts electric vehicle charging and public transport, exposing gaps in security and threatening the country’s energy transition.
Vehicle thefts surge in Spain as Madrid and Barcelona hit new highs
Spain recorded 16,052 vehicle thefts in the first half of 2026, up 3.6 percent from last year. Madrid and Barcelona alone account for over 42 percent of all cases, while smaller regions face the fastest growth.
Vehicle Thefts and Assaults Surge in Castilla-La Mancha
Castilla-La Mancha has recorded a 7 percent jump in crime for the first half of 2026. Vehicle thefts and violent assaults are driving the spike, with Albacete and Toledo seeing the steepest increases.
Why a Plastic Bottle Near Your Car Wheel Should Make You Pause
A plastic bottle wedged by your car wheel is not always random trash. This simple trick can distract drivers and leave vehicles vulnerable to theft. Here’s what every motorist in Spain needs to know before stepping out.
Madrid police arrest woman for targeting elderly with fake affectionate hugs
A woman with a long criminal record has been detained in Madrid for stealing jewelry from elderly people using the so-called affectionate hug trick. The case involves multiple towns and highlights the vulnerability of older residents.
Supermarket manager arrested after massive alcohol theft in Collado Villalba
A manager at Hiper Usera in Collado Villalba was detained for stealing over 1,400 bottles of alcohol. The stolen goods were sold to three shop owners for resale. Police recovered part of the merchandise and arrested all involved.
Madrid Police Arrest Two Men Linked to Five Violent Robberies
Two men with criminal records were arrested in Madrid after a series of armed robberies. One attack coincided with the August solar eclipse. Police seized a firearm and linked the suspects to five incidents.
Three Arrested After High-Speed Robbery Chase Ends at Barajas Airport
Police in Madrid detained three men with extensive criminal records after a violent café robbery and a reckless car chase that ended at Barajas Airport. The suspects drove a stolen vehicle and endangered multiple road users.
The Hidden Screw That Makes Stealing Your Car Much Harder
A small, rarely noticed screw inside your car’s steering column could be the difference between keeping your vehicle and losing it to thieves. Mechanic Iván Cabanas explains how this simple part quietly blocks one of the most common theft methods.
Two Men Arrested in Sant Mateu for Drug Trafficking and Burglary
Guardia Civil in Sant Mateu detained two men in separate incidents. One faces drug trafficking charges after cocaine was found in his car. The other is accused of breaking into a local pensioners’ association and stealing cash and lottery tickets.
Two Arrested in Figueres After Major Copper Cable Theft Disrupts Lighting
Police in Figueres have detained two men linked to the theft of 3,400 meters of copper cable. The incident left several neighborhoods without street lighting and triggered costly repairs for the city.
Five Arrested After Violent Clash Between Shopkeepers and Suspected Thieves in Lleida
A mass fight erupted in Lleida between local shopkeepers and suspected thieves. Five people were arrested, including four minors. Police have increased patrols in affected neighborhoods.
Repeat Offender Arrested in Tarragona for Series of Tip Jar Thefts
A 39-year-old man with a lengthy police record was arrested in Tarragona. He is accused of stealing tip jars and valuables from four businesses. The incidents include a violent robbery and multiple thefts caught on security cameras.
Caregiver Arrested in Leganés for Drugging Elderly Woman and Stealing Jewelry
A caregiver in Leganés was detained after drugging an elderly woman with benzodiazepines and stealing her jewelry and cash. The suspect sold stolen earrings for €580 and took €200 in cash. Police intervened after the victim's health declined.
Man Arrested After Breaking Into Fuenlabrada Barbershop With Manhole Cover
A man was detained in Fuenlabrada after smashing a barbershop window with a manhole cover. He tried to escape police by discarding evidence and hiding under a van. Officers recovered stolen items and forced entry tools.
Two Suspected Members of Georgian Burglary Gang Arrested in Oviedo
National Police in Oviedo have detained two Georgian nationals linked to a series of home burglaries in Asturias and Zamora. The suspects allegedly used discreet markers to identify unoccupied properties. Authorities urge vigilance in residential areas.
Four Arrested in Majadahonda for 29 Thefts Targeting Women
A criminal gang has been detained in Majadahonda after a wave of thefts targeting women. The suspects used distraction tactics in parking lots and shopping centers. Police link them to 29 incidents across three cities.
Caregiver Arrested in Castellón for Withdrawing €24,000 from Elderly Woman’s Account
A caregiver in Castellón has been detained for allegedly taking €24,000 from the account of an elderly woman she looked after. The case came to light when the family noticed irregular withdrawals after the woman’s death.
Guardia Civil Dismantles Major Bank Robbery Gang Across Eight Provinces
A criminal group targeting banks and gaming halls in eight provinces has been dismantled. Five suspects, Spanish and Serbian nationals, are now in custody. The operation clarifies 52 serious crimes and recovers stolen cash.
Copper Theft Halts Entire R3 Rodalies Line in Catalonia
A copper cable theft has forced a full suspension of the R3 Rodalies line. The disruption affects key routes between L’Hospitalet and Puigcerdà. Authorities are working to restore service amid ongoing infrastructure challenges.
Tourist Vehicle Thief Arrested After High-Speed Pursuit on AP-7
A 27-year-old man was detained in Oropesa del Mar after a violent escape attempt. He is accused of targeting tourists’ cars at AP-7 service areas. Police recovered stolen cash and valuables.
Arson Incident Forces Evacuation at La Vaguada Shopping Centre in Madrid
A man expelled for theft at La Vaguada in Madrid triggered a fire by tossing a cigarette into flammable waste. Hundreds were evacuated as smoke filled the centre. Police detained the suspect hours later.
La Atalaya Residents Face Wildfire Aftermath and Surge in Looting
A devastating wildfire in La Atalaya, El Tiemblo, has left homes damaged and residents vulnerable. As locals return to assess the destruction, reports of looting add to the crisis. Authorities and neighbors struggle to restore order.
Why Some Drivers Store Car Keys in the Microwave at Home
Placing car keys inside a microwave has become a viral tip to block keyless entry signals and deter relay thefts. But experts warn this home hack carries real risks and recommend safer, purpose-built alternatives for protecting modern vehicles.
Cable Theft Halts Entire R3 Rodalies Line, Disrupting Thousands
A major cable theft has forced a full suspension of the R3 Rodalies line in Catalonia. Thousands of passengers are affected. The incident adds to ongoing rail disruptions and delays across the region.
Cable Theft Disrupts High-Speed Rail Between Barcelona and Girona
A fresh cable theft at La Sagrera station has halted high-speed trains between Barcelona and Girona. Authorities report ongoing delays and complex repairs. The incident follows another major theft that caused fires and severe damage.
Cable Theft Halts Lleida-Tarragona Rail Line, No Timeline for Recovery
A cable theft has brought train traffic between Lleida and La Plana-Picamoixons to a standstill. Fires and severe infrastructure damage have left no clear date for service restoration. Renfe has launched emergency road transport.
Stolen Car and Tyres Found Abandoned at Palma Hospital Car Park
Police in Palma have recovered a stolen car and two tyres left in the Son Llàtzer Hospital car park. The discovery followed a security guard’s report. Both the vehicle and tyres were returned to their owners after police checks.
Seven Arrested After Attempted Armed Robbery at Torrejón de Ardoz Mall
A major police operation in Torrejón de Ardoz stopped an armed group from robbing a jewelry store. Seven suspects were detained. The incident caused alarm but no injuries. Authorities are now investigating possible links to other crimes.
Barcelona Police Recover Stolen Chillida and Coderch Sculptures Worth €235,000
Two suspects have been detained in Barcelona after allegedly stealing sculptures by Eduardo Chillida and Coderch & Malavia. The artworks, valued at €235,000, were recovered by police and returned to the galleries.
Thieves Steal €20,000 in Pokémon Cards from Alcalá de Henares Shop
A Pokémon card shop in Alcalá de Henares lost up to €30,000 in a swift robbery. Thieves targeted graded cards but left the rare Pikachu Van Gogh untouched. Police arrived within minutes, but the suspects escaped.
The case of the missing Primitiva ticket reveals unexpected details about the lottery outlet’s operations
Lottery Agent from La Coruña Explains in Court Why He Claimed €4.7 Million Four Times. In La Coruña, the owner of a lottery kiosk is on trial, accused of appropriating a Primitiva lottery ticket worth €4.7 million. He maintains he did not intend to collect the winnings, despite submitting four claims for payment.
Page 1 by 2