National Police officers have apprehended a 21-year-old man as the suspected culprit behind six incidents of burglary in apartments and two cases of fraud in the tourist region of southern Tenerife.
The arrest was made following complaints, where it was discovered that the young man gained access to hotel complexes in the early hours of the morning by scaling security perimeters. Once inside, he entered the apartments through the terraces while the tourists were asleep.
The thefts, as stated in a press release from the National Police, were concentrated within an area approximately one kilometer apart, targeting several apartment complexes. Stolen items mainly included electronic devices such as smartphones, earpods, tablets, and ebooks, along with small sums of cash and credit cards which were later used in commercial establishments.
Based on this information, officers from the Local Judicial Police Brigade in southern Tenerife successfully identified and apprehended the alleged perpetrator of the crimes last July. Specialized inspections indicated that all the burglaries were carried out by the same individual using the same modus operandi.
The police investigation has been processed at the Local Police Station in the south of Tenerife and has been referred to the competent court for further legal proceedings.
The National Police offers some security tips for ensuring safety during your stay in tourist accommodations, such as ensuring that doors and windows are securely closed, particularly at night or when the accommodation is unoccupied. Using safe deposit boxes to store valuables, cash, and important documents if provided is also recommended.
It is advised not to leave electronic devices, jewellery, or other valuables in plain sight and to keep an eye on luggage and personal belongings (bags, cameras, etc.) while in common areas like the reception, restaurants, or swimming pool.
Lastly, if any suspicious activity or individuals are noticed in the complex, it is important to immediately inform the accommodation staff or the police. In case of being a victim of a crime, assistance can be requested by calling 091 or using the ALERTCOPS application.
