Alcoy local police arrested a 24-year-old man from Muro for the alleged theft of electrical cables, including copper wiring, in several areas of the city. Authorities reported that the suspect was found with multiple bags containing cables as he attempted to flee the scene. Investigators indicate that the plastic sheathing on the cables was being burned to extract the copper, which is the material driving these crimes.
Theft of electrical or telephone cables often targets copper, which can be sold on illegal markets. Local sources note that the arrested individual has prior offenses related to similar activity, suggesting a pattern of behavior rather than a one-off incident.
The arrest occurred around 7:00 a.m. after a security operation focused on preventing cable theft. A special monitoring effort had been activated following earlier attempted and completed thefts in recent days. In several locations within the Zona Alta district, street lighting was left dark after power lines were cut, affecting major routes such as Avenida de Elche and Calle Caballero Merita.
According to authorities, the case involved approximately 500 meters of copper cable and an additional 50 meters of fiber optic cable taken from multiple points around the city. The seized material was secured for forensic examination as part of a broader investigation led by the National Police. Officers stated they are pursuing every lead to determine the full scope of the incident and bring those responsible to justice. Marked investigations and follow-up work are ongoing to establish a clear timeline of events and identify any accomplices mentioned in police records. [Police sources]