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The Murcia region and nearby areas can breathe a little easier after the Guardia Civil smashed a violent robbery gang behind over 50 break-ins at gas stations and homes. Operation Gasfilter-Seagas, launched in July last year, has so far led to four arrests and solved more than 100 crimes across several provinces, with around 50 right here in Murcia, making it the worst-hit area.

 

The group, based between Murcia and Alicante, had a clear modus operandi. They struck in the early hours using stolen vehicles of the same make, their faces covered, armed with sledgehammers and other tools to smash their way into petrol stations. In minutes they would grab cash registers and cigarette machines, take them to remote spots to empty, then abandon everything. The crime spree spread to Alicante, Almería, Granada, Albacete and Cuenca, but hit hardest in Lorca, Mazarrón and Llano de Brujas during November and December.

 

One particularly bold raid saw hooded, armed robbers make off with €80,000 from a gas station in Llano de Brujas, a breakthrough clue for investigators. The gang didn't stop at petrol stations. They targeted bars, rural homes and even occupied houses, stealing cash and jewellery for the black market, using violence or intimidation against anyone who got in their way.

 

The final sting came when Guardia Civil officers stopped a suspicious vehicle heading to Almería, discovering stolen jewellery hidden under the seats. That led to two arrests in San Javier and Cartagena, plus two more. Three house searches followed, two in Beniel and one in Palomares (Almería), uncovering over €12,000 in cash, two vehicles, nearly 50 pieces of jewellery and the gang's robbery clothing. Officers also recovered more than 30 stolen cars the group had used.

 

This was no amateur outfit. The Guardia Civil describes them as a highly organised travelling criminal gang with long rap sheets, always using stolen cars with fake plates and constantly switching phone numbers for security. Operation Gasfilter-Seagas is still active, so more arrests can follow.

 

Image: wikicommons