Two repeat car thieves arrested in Villajoyosa

In the municipality of Villajoyosa, the Guardia Civil has arrested two men, aged 45 and 61, as alleged perpetrators of numerous vehicle burglaries in two high-traffic parking areas: the car park near the Marina Baixa Hospital and the Cala Racó de Conill area. This arrest was made as part of Operation Racvil.

In June 2025, the Villajoyosa Main Post Investigation Unit initiated an investigation following the identification of an increase in this form of crime in both regions. The events were associated with the presence of a white van, which was present on the same days and at the same time as the offences, as a result of police efforts. The vehicle was registered in the name of a municipality resident who had not been seen at his residence for several months, which would have provided him with a comprehensive understanding of the area of operation.

Ultimately, the van was discovered in the town of Monóvar, and the owner and another occupant who utilised it to travel and conduct the robberies were discovered.

The van’s proprietor was apprehended by officers at 2:00 p.m. on July 6th, after they had driven through Cala Conill and then the hospital’s car park. He broke the lock of a vehicle and stole the contents, positioning them inside the van. At that time, he was apprehended and charged with four counts of burglary and one count of fraud involving the use of stolen bank cards.

Consequently, on July 28th, the second suspect, who had relocated from Monóvar to Villajoyosa and was conducting himself independently, was arrested. The latter has been associated with two vehicle thefts that have occurred in the municipality thus far.

The Villajoyosa Duty Court ordered the release of both detainees on parole, who had prior records for similar offences and were accomplices in the most recent robberies.

These actions are in addition to those conducted by the same unit in Operation Pedrazas last June, which resulted in the arrest of two men, aged 18 and 17, and the investigation of a 26-year-old man and a 19-year-old woman. The investigation was conducted in Villajoyosa and involved five burglaries inside vehicles, one crime of damage, and one crime of serious risk to traffic.

It is advisable to refrain from leaving objects or possessions visible inside parked vehicles, as the Guardia Civil reminds us that criminals frequently select isolated parking areas that lack security cameras, lighting, or surveillance.

Author: Derek Appleton