Officers from the National Police, as part of a security operation initiated by the Provincial Police Station of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, have apprehended two Spanish nationals, aged 38 and 42, accused of carrying out multiple robberies involving violence and intimidation in the metropolitan region of the capital, particularly in the Salamanca neighbourhood.
Both individuals, who reside in Tenerife, are alleged to be behind a series of thefts that predominantly targeted small traders in the vicinity.
The investigation commenced last September, following complaints lodged by employees at the properties that were raided.
Through a thorough analysis of the complaints and subsequent inquiries conducted by the officers, it became possible to pinpoint a common ‘modus operandi’ among the suspects responsible for the thefts.
The perpetrators capitalised on the absence of customers in the establishments to access them wearing masks and intimidate staff with a large knife, demanding the day’s earnings, as noted by the National Police in a statement.
On 28 October, officers identified and apprehended the first suspect in the Los Gladiolos area, while the second individual was caught on 4 November in the Duggi neighbourhood, facilitated by a coordinated effort from various units of the National Police.
He was intercepted just as he was about to execute another robbery, armed with the weapon used to terrorise his victims and wearing clothing intended to conceal his identity.
Following the receipt of appropriate judicial authorisation, the officers searched the homes of the suspects, uncovering evidence that corroborates their involvement in the investigated incidents.
Both suspects possess extensive criminal histories and, upon being presented to the judicial authority, were remanded in custody, charged as alleged perpetrators of several robberies involving violence and intimidation.
