Overview of Recent Metal-Theft Investigations and Civil Guard Operations
Across the year, authorities have been actively pursuing cases related to metal theft, with roughly forty individuals either arrested or investigated. The incidents involve various metals, including copper, bronze, aluminum, steel, and iron, and center on thefts from industrial sites, manufacturing facilities, and utility networks in the l’Alcoià and Vinalopó regions. Among those detained are two people from Banyeres de Mariola and three former employees of a Pinoso company, linked to damage totaling about 25,000 euros. In April, a worker from an Aspe company was arrested for stealing bronze valued at around 40,000 euros.
In Banyeres, the Expert Team Against Theft in the Field (ROCA) reported the arrest of a 29-year-old man on July 28 for stealing substantial quantities of copper wire, resulting in approximately 10,000 euros in losses to an electric company where he had previously worked. The owner filed a complaint after repeated robberies, leading investigators to uncover that a former employee used a copied set of keys to access the site during off hours. Large volumes of cables and mined copper were subsequently traced to the suspect, who is alleged to have sold the stolen metal at junkyards. The individual faced charges related to ongoing forced robbery and, after judicial proceedings, was released on certain conditions.
In another case, on June 30, authorities arrested a 27-year-old man and a 29-year-old woman for stealing tools, motors, and copper cables from a marble processing facility in Pinoso. The thieves reportedly gained access with a duplicate set of keys and, in addition to the stolen items, used company fuel to power their vehicles. The loss from this incident was estimated at 15,000 euros. Both suspects appeared in court in Novelda and were released after filing a criminal complaint.
Additionally, an ongoing embezzlement investigation led to the arrest of a 40-year-old man in April. He is alleged to have diverted nearly a metric ton of bronze from a company in Aspe over eight months. The stolen metal, valued at about 40,000 euros, was reportedly sold through multiple junkyards, with transactions disguised as standard company sales to avoid suspicion. This individual was also released on charges pending further legal action.
The Civil Guard emphasizes that non-precious metals such as copper, aluminum, steel, and iron attract thieves because they are relatively easy to access and transport, often requiring minimal security circumvention. Nonetheless, the sums involved can be significant, inflicting real harm on the victims and their communities, including manufacturers, suppliers, and service providers who depend on these materials for operations. The broader impact includes disrupted production lines, increased costs for replacement materials, and higher insurance premiums for affected businesses.
The Civil Guard has undertaken a rigorous effort to deter these crimes through proactive monitoring of high-risk locations and periodic inspections at workplaces where metal components are sold or stored. Authorities are actively identifying vehicles and individuals near the sites, maintaining close contact with groups involved in the purchase, manufacture, and sale of metal objects, and collaborating with other law-enforcement and industry partners. These measures are designed to disrupt theft networks, reduce casualties, and safeguard critical infrastructure and supply chains. The agency urges the public to report suspicious activity promptly, providing as much detail as possible to aid rapid intervention and the apprehension of perpetrators.
Experts note that while the immediate need is to stop ongoing thefts, long-term prevention requires a multi-pronged approach. Enhanced verification at points of sale for metals, improved inventory controls at storage sites, and traceability of scrap metal shipments all contribute to a stronger defense against criminal networks. Community awareness and timely reporting remain key elements in breaking the cycle of theft and mitigating its consequences for workers and local businesses. [Source attribution: Civil Guard press releases and regional law enforcement updates, 2024]