In recent months, there has been a rise in home invasion attacks in Spain, causing concern among many residents. A recent incident in Polinyà del Xúquer, Valencia province, exemplifies how an ordinary dog can change the outcome and prevent a major crime. According to El Pais, a kidnapping attempt ended in failure for the perpetrators thanks to the pet’s quick response and the coordinated efforts of the police.
On the evening of October 30, a woman at home heard suspicious noises near her front door. When she opened it, she was confronted by an unknown man who, according to her, spoke with an accent typical of Eastern Europe. The man grabbed her by the arm and tried to forcibly lead her out of the apartment, shouting at her to leave with him. At that moment, the woman’s dog suddenly attacked the intruder and bit his leg, allowing the victim to break free. The woman sustained injuries to her face and hands and required medical attention.
Investigation and evidence
Immediately after the incident, officers from the Guardia Civil began reviewing footage from the city’s surveillance cameras. The video showed that four individuals took part in the attack; all of them were masked and acted in a coordinated manner. Each had a specific role, indicating a carefully planned crime. A key role was played by a local police officer who, upon hearing screams, ran outside and spotted the getaway car. He memorized the license plate, which became crucial to the investigation.
Operation Nidorino began with an inspection of the car, which was found to be rented under the name of a resident of Algemesí. The vehicle was later discovered burned and without license plates in the nearby town of Benicull de Xuquer. The car’s owner tried to report it stolen, but his testimony raised suspicions among investigators. During questioning, it emerged he had rented the car for his nephew, who did not have a driver’s license. The nephew’s clothing matched what one of the attackers was wearing in the video. In November 2025, the 21-year-old was arrested on suspicion of organizing the crime, attempted kidnapping, property destruction, and document forgery.
Search for accomplices
Further investigation led to the identification of two more participants in the attack. Both turned out to be young men from Algemesí, aged 20 and 21, also holding Spanish citizenship. Their appearance and clothing matched those of individuals seen in the video footage. In December 2025, they were arrested on charges of being part of a criminal group, attempted kidnapping, and property damage.
Investigators paid special attention to a fourth suspect, who was believed to be the main perpetrator of the attack. To locate him, police contacted medical facilities in Valencia to check if anyone had sought treatment for a dog bite on the leg. At one of the clinics, staff recalled a man with an Eastern European accent who had not provided identification but complained about a wound. Using the police database and photo recognition, the victim confidently identified the attacker. He was a 40-year-old Ukrainian national living in Valencia. When apprehended, he still showed visible bite marks on his right leg.
Motives and details
Investigators believe the initiators of the attack were residents of Algemesí familiar with the victim’s lifestyle. Aware of the family’s wealth, they decided to orchestrate a kidnapping, hiring a perpetrator from Eastern Europe for a reward. All four detainees are charged with forming a criminal group, attempted kidnapping, and destruction of property.
