In the rural areas surrounding Benissa, residents are fed up with ongoing bandit activity targeting country homes. Thieves rarely make off with substantial loot, but they do consistently seize farm tools, metal, and antiques. This is not a fresh problem; thefts have been occurring for about three and a half decades, though the recent wave has grown more acute. Over the past two weeks, ten cottages were broken into, and the same neighbor notes that they have been robbed at least nine times over the past decades. The fear is palpable: residents feel exposed, frightened, and increasingly helpless.
One neighbor was targeted in a recent burglary that yielded a brushcutter, a can of butane, a cooking plate, and a quick cooker. The most troubling aspect, he says, is not the items themselves but the damage left behind. In one incident, iron doors were ripped from their frames, and stolen goods were allegedly hidden inside the house’s surroundings, then sold through junkyards or to repairmen who frequent street markets.
Residents express deep sadness over the losses. The affected households inherited properties from grandparents and parents, imbuing the items with sentimental value that goes beyond mere material meaning. While reporting the latest robbery to the Civil Guard station in Benissa, the victim indicated that a possible response would involve enhanced surveillance, referencing a camera installed at the crossroads of country roads as a precautionary measure.
There is also news that the town’s mayor, Arturo Poquet, plans a meeting with those affected on the day this account was shared, signaling an intent to address the community’s concerns directly and publicly.
The fear has become pervasive. One resident warns that even returning home can feel dangerous, describing the risk of physical harm if a theft occurs while someone is present. The atmosphere in these rural neighborhoods is characterized by a growing sense of insecurity and an urgent demand for stronger protection against intrusions.
Overall, the community feels unsettled by the pattern of robberies and the perception that local security measures are insufficient. The increasing frequency of incidents has left many residents feeling desperate, questioning what steps will be taken to restore safety and peace of mind in Benissa. The shared experience underscores the broader tension between rural heritage and the need for robust, reliable security in small towns facing persistent burglary threats. [Citation: Local Civil Guard report, Benissa; municipal records and resident statements]