The Civil Guard reported this Wednesday that five people have been arrested in Tenerife for their alleged involvement in 49 robberies committed in 16 municipalities on the island, in which around 60,000 euros were stolen from slot machines.
Of the five detainees, two have been imprisoned without bail, while the other three are free with charges, a statement indicates, adding that the robberies were committed forcefully inside various commercial establishments, and Sports clothing valued at 21,000 euros was also stolen and damage worth 80,000 euros was caused.
The arrest of these people has been carried out during Operation Pullover, whose investigation began last June following complaints filed for the alleged commission of crimes of robbery with force inside various commercial establishments.
The perpetrators of the robberies used large sledgehammers to access the interior of the establishments, forcing the entrance door, and then breaking into the recreational “slot” machines to steal the money collected.
To avoid being recognized, they covered themselves with balaclavas, clothing and gloves, and used rental vehicles that they changed regularly.
The criminal group committed up to three criminal acts in the same night and in several municipalities of Tenerife: Santiago del Teide, Guía de Isora, Adeje, Arona, Granadilla de Abona, San Miguel de Abona, Arico, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Tegueste , La Guancha, Santa Úrsula, Victoria del Acentejo, El Sauzal, Tacoronte, Santa Úrsula and Icod de los Vinos.
The Civil Guard has carried out three home searches in the towns of San Isidro (Granadilla de Abona), Sobradillo and Barrio de la Alegría (Santa Cruz de Tenerife), where coins and cash bills that could correspond to the collection of the slot machines.
Sports clothing items have also been found that still had the security devices and labels belonging to a well-known chain of stores installed, and tools and clothing that could have been used by the accused to commit the criminal acts were located.
The investigation has been carried out by the Guía de Isora Investigation area, and agents from Playa de las Américas, Puerto de la Cruz and Santa Cruz de Tenerife have participated.
The operation has been directed by the Investigative Court No. 2 of Arona, which agreed to the reported entry into prison without bail of two of the detainees, leaving the remaining three released with charges.
