Five young men, aged between 16 and 20, were detained in Alicante on suspicion of stealing 18 prize pigeons. The arrests followed a police interception by the National Police, which took place as the suspects returned to the area after allegedly removing birds from a columbiculture club in Benidorm. The incident has drawn attention in the competitive pigeon-keeping community, where such birds can command high market value.
According to investigators, officers at the Northern Territory Police Station stopped a vehicle carrying the group and additional people as they traveled through the municipal region. The officers were able to halt the transport and secure the birds for inspection, acting on concerns about the legitimacy of the cargo and the origin of the seven pigeons in the vehicle. Police records indicate that the animals were identified as stolen property, leading to the suspects being arrested on charges of alleged forced theft of goods.
handed over to their owners
Following a period of detailed inquiry, the police investigation group conducted further fieldwork and recovered seven additional pigeons that matched the previously stolen batch. These birds were subsequently returned to their rightful owners, alongside the initially apprehended individuals who faced formal procedures. The successful recoveries underscore the police commitment to restitution and the protection of valuable avian stock within the local community.
The case highlights a recurring issue in the world of highly competitive pigeons, where thefts can occur because of the birds’ high value and the demand within the sport. Law enforcement notes that these incidents not only disrupt breeders but also undermine the integrity of the sport as a whole, prompting ongoing vigilance and enforcement efforts by local authorities.
All those detained were released after giving statements, as investigations continued. Authorities emphasize that the case remains active, with further inquiries aiming to determine the full scope of the thefts and any accomplices who may have been involved. The National Police and associated regional units continue to monitor the situation and pursue leads to ensure the recovery of additional affected birds and the enforcement of relevant laws.