SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, 12 Sep. (EUROPA PRESS) –
The Civil Guard, particularly through the ROCA Team, which specialises in investigating agricultural and livestock theft, has resolved 18 theft cases in avocado farms this year, with a total of 14 individuals under investigation. These crimes predominantly occurred in the municipalities of Tacoronte, El Sauzal, La Orotava, and La Victoria de Acentejo, with around 3,500 kilos of avocados being stolen, representing an estimated market value of 14,000 euros.
In addition to avocados, various other fruit and vegetable products, along with agricultural machinery, were also pilfered, most of which have been recovered.
The Civil Guard’s statement highlights that the criminals have been altering their modus operandi, noting that in the most recent thefts, an individual, during daylight hours, drives a mixed vehicle which delivers to several accomplices at the avocado farms.
They subsequently access the property and, once they possess the stolen items, they either call or send instant messages to the driver to inform them to pick them up.
The emergence of a receiver operating from home, who then distributes the stolen goods through online platforms, has also become more common.
This operation has benefited from collaboration with various institutions and security forces, such as the Cabildo de Tenerife, particularly through the sectors of Industry, Commerce, Primary Sector, and Animal Welfare, alongside farmers’ associations. Meetings have been organised for information sharing, enhancement plans, and guidance to farmers to minimise the likelihood of these thefts.
