The Civil Guard is examining a suspect linked to a theft at a riding club located in Sax, a community known for its rural landscapes and equestrian activity. The burglary involved breaking a padlock and forcing entry into a barn, resulting in the disappearance of 23 horses with an estimated value exceeding 23,000 euros.
Experts recognize echoes of a wave of horse-related thefts that swept through the region between December 2015 and February 2016. During that period, as many as fifty saddles and related equipment vanished from equestrian clubs across six towns, including Villena, Pinoso, Alcoy, Onil, Denia, and Caudete. Police estimates from that time suggest the thefts could have yielded around 40,000 euros in saddles alone within a single month. The looters did not stop at mounts; they seized a full spectrum of riding gear and accessories, such as halters with matching muzzles, handmade bridle bits, mouth gags, blankets, and leather tack. Rider apparel like dressage helmets and boots also disappeared, contributing to an additional roughly 15,000 euros in stolen value.
In every incident from that era, the thieves demonstrated a deep understanding of the equestrian world and a knack for avoiding detection. Investigators believe the perpetrators may have scouted the facilities—stud farms, riding clubs, and the movements of staff and security—before striking. The tactics varied: some breaks came from smashing windows or forcing doors, while others involved exploiting structural weaknesses, such as hollow cores behind thick walls or even concrete ceilings, to access hidden loot. Locations chosen for their distance from urban centers and limited surveillance helped keep their activities undetected.
The earliest attack in this sequence occurred in late December 2015, with subsequent incursions continuing into the following months. Among the most notable episodes was a raid on a riding club in Onil, where five saddles, ten halters, eight bridle pieces, and additional gear were stolen, together with a valued collection of rider equipment estimated at around 8,000 euros. In a striking twist, a porcelain statue of a regional religious symbol was also taken, while two saddles were left broken behind. The pattern suggested cold, methodical planning and a careful assessment of security gaps.
Ultimately, authorities connected these cases to a single alleged perpetrator who was apprehended by the Civil Guard. The case was pursued by a coordinated investigation team, and some of the pilfered items were recovered during the arrest and subsequent searches.