A group of criminals moved through the Murcia region at dawn, riding in a luxury Porsche Cayenne. In just a few hours they carried out multiple robberies at betting halls in San Javier and nearby towns, including El Esparragal and Sangonera la Verde, according to police sources. They followed a simple but brutal playbook and vanished as quickly as they appeared, leaving investigators with a clear pattern to chase.
Weeks before the coronavirus crisis became widespread, the same group or a closely related crew left a trail of chaos in Murcia. One vehicle from their fleet, a Porsche, was later discovered burned in a field, a likely attempt to destroy evidence. Officers suspect arson was used to erase clues and hinder investigations, a tactic sometimes employed by criminals aiming to complicate forensic work.
The same method resurfaced in the recent night raids. The gang used another high-end Porsche Cayenne, mirroring their earlier operation, and relied on speed and surprise. Their objective was straightforward: overwhelm betting shop staff with rapid, coordinated actions and pocket cash from the machines or the cash boxes, all before alarms could fully engage the premises.
Their first stop was a venue in Eurozone Roda where the robbers struck decisively, damaging the facilities before escaping in the gray Porsche Cayenne. Witnesses described three men involved, with one remaining at the wheel to facilitate a fast getaway after the theft. The group then headed toward El Esparragal, threatening staff and seizing the coin boxes from gaming machines. The crew presented a coordinated front, keeping a tight tempo and quickly dissolving into the night when the crime concluded.
From there, the attackers moved on to a business in Sangonera la Verde, returning toward the Mar Menor area where they had initially planned to strike again. They engaged in a brief confrontation at a hall, using force to intimidate workers and create chaos, then retreated to the waiting car before anyone could organize a counteraction.
As the night unfolded, the group faced resistance from workers who tried to repair the damage they had inflicted on the machines. The criminals responded with blunt force, using the butt ends of firearms to disperse the workers and escape once more. The violence appeared aimed at ensuring the looting would be swift and decisive, with little risk to the suspects once the car doors closed again.
A hospital report later confirmed that one employee sustained serious head injuries and required transfer to a regional medical facility for treatment. The incident left staff shaken and underscored the danger faced by workers who encounter violent crime on the job. Local authorities and security forces have acknowledged the wave of attacks and are actively pursuing leads to locate and arrest those responsible. Police units have pledged to bring the perpetrators to justice as swiftly as possible and to restore a sense of safety to communities affected by these events, including the districts around Mar Menor and the surrounding towns.