The Civil Guard opened an investigation into two individuals suspected of stealing tangerines from a farm in the town of San Miguel de Salinas, as part of the ongoing campaign known as the Plan against theft in farms and livestock farms. The inquiry sought to establish the timeline of the incident and to determine the full scope of the alleged theft, while authorities coordinated with the Torrevieja Guard Court to formalize the case once sufficient evidence had been gathered.
On March 30, officers from the main Torrevieja outpost of the Civil Guard observed two people driving on a road that leads into Torrevieja. They appeared to carry a device used to identify vehicles, and they were seen transporting several boxes and baskets that contained tangerines. The officers noted that the fruit showed signs of suspicious origin and irregular handling, prompting a closer inspection to verify its provenance and legitimacy. The scene unfolded as part of routine patrols designed to deter farm-related theft and to safeguard agricultural livelihoods in the region.
Following the initial checks, authorities determined that the tangerines in the vehicle were stolen from a local farm in San Miguel de Salinas less than a few minutes before the stop. The individuals were unable to provide documentation or credible evidence to prove legitimate ownership or possession of the produce, which reinforced the presumption of theft at the time of the encounter. The rapid assessment underscored the effectiveness of proactive policing in preventing further disruption to agricultural operations and protecting rural economies that rely on a steady supply of fresh fruit.
At the Torrevieja Civil Guard outpost, investigators identified the two men as ages 48 and 30, one Spanish and the other of Cuban nationality. They stand accused of alleged theft in connection with the confiscation of more than 175 kilograms of tangerines, valued at over 500 euros according to current market prices. The quantity seized suggested a deliberate act intended for resale, raising concerns about the broader implications for local farmers who depend on timely, secure harvests and fair market access. The case highlights how even seemingly modest thefts can have ripple effects across the agricultural supply chain and community welfare.
After the facts were established and conversations conducted with the alleged offenders, the farm owner was informed that the authorities would arrange for the recovered produce to be donated to a charitable organization in Torrevieja. This gesture reflects the practical use of recovered goods to support those in need while continuing to pursue legal accountability for the suspects. The two individuals under investigation were brought before the Torrevieja Guard Training Court, and the case file was opened to ensure proper legal processing, including the presentation of evidence and the opportunity for defense. This procedure aligns with standard policing practices in Spain, which emphasize due process and transparent handling of property recovered in criminal investigations.
The Civil Guard, reiterating the aims of the Plan against theft on farms and livestock farms, emphasized the importance of community vigilance and timely reporting of suspicious activity. Citizens are encouraged to notify authorities if they observe unusual behavior near farms, vehicles with odd loading patterns, or any signs that produce might be diverted away from legitimate channels. The force underscores that swift reporting can disrupt theft attempts before losses accumulate, protecting livelihoods and maintaining the integrity of local food systems. The ongoing initiative remains a cornerstone of rural safety strategies, combining patrols, rapid response, and strong collaboration with agricultural stakeholders to deter future incidents. (Source: Civil Guard communications)