Robberies in the countryside have fallen by up to 56 percent over the last seven years, from 465 to 201 between 2016 and 2022. This data emerged after a government sub-delegation meeting in Alicante. Carlos Sánchez, accompanied by the Colonel Chief of the Alicante Civil Guard Command, met with several agricultural associations this morning to discuss actions aimed at strengthening security on farms. Civil Guard agents shared a range of safety recommendations with professionals in the agricultural sector to prevent crimes that could disrupt production. These meetings are conducted regularly throughout the year and focus on periods when the sector is most vulnerable.
The sub-delegate highlighted the significant work of the Civil Guard, praising the Police Department for their ongoing efforts to prevent theft and educate rural workers, and noting the role of the Rock Teams, a special unit dedicated to investigating robberies in the countryside.
From late summer through year-end, farmers in Alicante harvest a large share of crops such as carob, almonds, pomegranates, olives, grapes, and citrus fruits. The second category refers to crops that produce year-round.
The president of the Alicante Young Farmers Association (Asaja) attended the meeting on behalf of the farmers. José Vicente Andreu and technical secretary Ramón Espinosa were present, along with Alberto Travel from the League of Llauradors, José Antonio Andujar of Riegos de Levante MD del Segura, Beatriz Rocamora, director of the Regulatory Council on the origin of the Vinalopó Valley grape, and Joaquín José Sempere, president of the Oil Factories Association of the Province of Alicante Olis d’Alacant.
As part of the “Plan against theft in agricultural and livestock farms,” the Civil Guard has worked year-round since 2011 to intervene in rural crimes. In July 2013, the Alicante Civil Guard established Rock Teams in the province as a specialized unit against rural robberies. Three teams were created to meet the needs of farmers and ranchers in the region; one covers Almoradí and the area from Albatera to Pilar de la Horadada including Vega Baja and Vinalopó, another covers Calpe and the Alta and Marina Baixa Marinas areas, and the third serves the inland regions of the province.
The Sub-Delegation noted that the trust built by Rock Teams with professionals from both sectors stems largely from these regularly held meetings. Through these gatherings, key information is gathered to identify critical points for field work, and agencies provide producers with safety recommendations tailored to the distinctive characteristics of each region and season.
Preventive work
In addition to these meetings, the Civil Guard conducts daily surveillance on crops, warehouses, and marketing areas, inspects shipments, records complaints, investigates crimes, and works to recover stolen goods when possible.
The image below shows a batch of stolen carob seeds seized by the Civil Guard. Information
One of the tools that helps security forces verify the legality of shipments and locate products in case of theft is the Data (Agricultural Support and Traceability Certificate). This mandatory document accompanies the transport of agricultural products from the point of origin to their destination, guaranteeing traceability. Traceability reveals the route of the product, identifies the manufacturer, and allows quick location of the batch.
Calp Rock Team is currently completing the project Operation “Trace 7.” The trial began last June, with suspects accused of falsifying documents and purchasing citrus fruits of illegal origin. After examining data from 700 tangerine and orange harvest records, Civil Guard agents detected 8,062 kilograms of oranges obtained illegally by traders.
Each season, farmers worry about different crops depending on factors affecting their yield. In this case, the farmers perceive olives as the most fragile due to yield reductions and rising prices. However, reported thefts are mainly about tools and equipment rather than the products themselves.
Ten commandments of security measures
The Civil Guards prepared a set of ten commandments to prevent theft in rural areas.
1. Partnership — Dialogue between the Civil Guard and sector professionals is essential, and incidents should be reported promptly.
2. If suspicious people or vehicles are seen, record details (notes, descriptions, etc.) and report them.
3. Change routines often — Work should be carried out at least once a week to avoid teaching criminals farm habits.
4. Secure goods from outside and bring them inside; minimize the time products are left unattended.
5. Where possible, provide safe storage for materials and establish surveillance systems; do not leave valuables in sight when leaving.
6. Regularly check window bars and door locks; consider installing perimeter fencing around the farm.
7. Inspect valuable items, write down serial numbers, and take photos of machinery for use in investigations. If a serial number is unavailable, mark items for identification.
8. In case of a crime, protect yourself in a safe place and do not confront intruders. Call 062 and do not touch anything.
9. Install the Alertcorps app on a mobile device. If an alarm is triggered, the location is sent to the nearest operations center, a feature the Civil Guard emphasizes for rapid assistance.
10. The Benemérita stresses the importance of filing a report. The information gathered in the complaint aids the investigation and helps prevent future crimes.