In Vega Baja and the surrounding orchards, sweet potatoes have joined artichokes and citrus as targets in theft operations. With the cooperation of the Civil Guard and the San Fulgencio Local Police, a four-person group was investigated as part of rural-area burglary suppression efforts. The suspects, two men and two women aged between 51 and 64, were linked to sweet potato theft in the Vega Baja and Segura areas. Proceedings were forwarded to the Orihuela Courts for review.
theft crimes
During November, the Civil Guard Post in Guardamar del Segura, in collaboration with the San Fulgencio Local Police, monitored a spike in thefts from traditional orchard farms cultivating sweet potatoes. The crop is seasonal and valued as a substitute for potatoes, with culinary uses that range from dessert to everyday meals. Market prices for sweet potatoes have reached around 1.50 euros per kilo in recent assessments. The Field Robbery Squad (ROCA) at the Torrevieja police station opened an inquiry to determine the facts and establish a clear timeline of events. [Fuente: Guardia Civil]
The San Fulgencio Local Police remained vigilant as officers tracked patterns in the activity and coordinated with ROCA to build a robust case against the suspects.
San Fulgencio Local Police on duty to watch over the traditional garden
Red-handed
In mid-November, local police teams intercepted several individuals, two women and a man aged between 51 and 54, while they were taking sweet potatoes from two local plots without permission. ROCA teams from Torrevieja and the Guardamar branch of the Civil Guard quickly identified the perpetrators and recovered the stolen produce. After thorough investigations, by late November investigators added another suspect, a 64-year-old man, to the case for theft and for involvement in a criminal group. The investigation was referred to the Orihuela Courts for expert inquiry and disposition. [Fuente: Guardia Civil]
Come back
Following the operations, authorities returned 150 kilos of seized sweet potatoes to their rightful owners. In addition, safety guidance targeted at residents was shared to help prevent property crimes. While the guidance aims to inform the public, the underlying message remains simple: awareness is the best defense against theft. Citizens are encouraged to report suspicious activity to local authorities and to stay informed about best practices for protecting farm yields and home property. The official safety tips, while not repeated here in full, emphasize vigilance and quick reporting as the most effective deterrents. [Fuente: Guardia Civil]