Civil Guards as part of the Sanandres operation arrested two people for at least 93 robberies of churches in 82 different towns in Cantabria, Asturias and Palencia. The main purpose of the robberies was the money they hid in churches. For example, the one who suffered at the Valvauz Sanctuary in Cantabria, where nearly 1,000 euros were stolen from donations for the Christmas nativity scene. However, other religious objects were also reported stolen, possibly for later sale.
The first robberies were committed at various churches in Cantabria in December of last year. Two people from the Cantabria town of Villacarriedo were arrested after the agents’ investigation. Paintings, safes with oil paintings, small chests with keys for arbors, holy relics, temple keys, sound instruments and two carved wooden pedestals stand out in the search for houses, which have interfered with about 140 religious artifacts. . for coffins. A large number of coins of small value were also found from the collections of churches and beggars.
Same way Various tools that could be used in robberies such as crowbars of different sizes were interfered with. hydraulic jack, screwdrivers, pliers and night vision.
modus operandi
The investigations revealed that the alleged perpetrators were a couple. The woman was the person conducting a preliminary study of temples that were later attacked and caused significant damage. handle The robbers used different vehicles with which they traveled to different places.
The Civil Guard suspected this before the Lebanese Jubilee Year began at the Santo Toribio monastery.With the increase of pilgrims and donations in churches on this road, thefts may increase again.
The operation to the safety of Camino Lebaniego allowed a patrol to stop the suspicious vehicle one night in the town of Tama. in Cantabria. Days later, in the town of Quijas, Cantabria, another Civil Guard patrol found the same couple carrying instruments similar to Tama’s in the vehicle.
arrests
With all the evidence and suspicions that a new wave of robberies had begun in the churches, an operation was organized. allowed to identify a male suspect driving a vehicle where he was hiding tools that could be used for theft, being arrested
The woman was later arrested at her home in Villacarriedo. A search of the house was then carried out, where agents found numerous items from robberies committed in churches.