Agents from the Civil Guard, belonging to the ROCA Team, which specializes in the prevention and investigation of agricultural and livestock thefts, have established a plan to enhance prevention and investigation efforts against rural thefts, coinciding with the beginning of the fruit and vegetable season, specifically for avocados. This initiative has led to the clarification of 22 theft incidents on farms located in various municipalities in northern Tenerife.
The criminal activities occurred between September and February of this year, during which the accused, local residents, gained access to the farms, generally during daylight hours, by jumping over or breaking the perimeter fences. In total, they managed to steal 2,800 kg of avocados, 30 kg of potatoes, 10 kg of chestnuts, as well as various corrugated irons used for supporting the vineyards, transporting everything in sacks placed in the vehicles they used for their movements.
The accused were local residents
The accused turned out to be local residents who had previously planned the raids on various farms, as they were well acquainted with the area and were aware of the movements of the owners and employees at all times. Notably, two of the alleged perpetrators were hunters who, taking advantage of this skill, could verify that there was indeed no one on the farm at the time of the crime.
The stolen avocados were immediately put up for sale, both on the streets of local neighbourhoods and in certain greengrocers, with agents from the ROCA Team preventing their sale after detecting and confirming their illicit origin.
A total of 16 individuals investigated, 14 men and 2 women
These investigations fall under OPERATION HASS I, during which a total of 16 individuals, consisting of 14 men and 2 women aged between 21 and 49 years, from the municipalities of San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Tacoronte, Tegueste, La Victoria, La Orotava, and Icod de los Vinos, were investigated as suspected perpetrators of various crimes against property and the socio-economic order, primarily involving theft with force through breaking and entering.
The proceedings have been submitted to the respective Investigating Courts.
