Two Teenagers Arrested After Stealing a Company Van During a Delivery in Villena
In a swift police operation, agents from the National Police and the Elda-Petrer Local Police Station apprehended two teenagers on charges of robbery and motor vehicle offenses after a company van was stolen during a routine delivery. The incident involved a well-known electronics distributor, and the vehicle contained a number of package shipments bound for customers. The discovery of the theft prompted immediate attention from authorities and the company involved.
In Villena, a delivery worker was performing duties inside the van when the two youths seized the moment. As the employee stepped out to place an order, the teenagers seized the opportunity to drive away with the vehicle and its cargo. The worker promptly alerted the company, which then contacted the local police to report the theft and provide details about the van, including its location.
Officers quickly traced the vehicle using the tracking device and received information that the van was last seen on a street in Elda. In response, patrol units were dispatched to the indicated area, and they quickly blocked the surrounding exits to prevent flight. At the scene, officers observed the two suspects handling items from the stolen van and loading them into another vehicle.
As police signaled the suspects to stop, the pair attempted to flee the area. Thanks to the immediate police response and clear immobilization of the scene, the offenders could not escape. The officers recovered the van and the seized packages, including a portion of the cargo that had already been separated from the vehicle and moved to the other car. A sizeable quantity of goods, including 53 packages, was recovered and returned to the rightful owner.
The two detained individuals, ages 19 and 29, were taken into custody. One of the detainees held Spanish nationality and was placed at the disposal of local judicial authorities in the area for further processing. The other suspect’s status was noted as part of the ongoing investigation. The operation underscores the vigilance of local law enforcement when responding to thefts during on-the-job activities and the rapid coordination between agencies to safeguard property and public safety. [Citation: National Police of the Elda-Petrer Local Police] [Citation: Villena Incident Report]