The Civil Guard from the Buenavista post in northern Tenerife has detained an individual on suspicion of being involved in two offences: one for theft from a vehicle and another for damage, both committed in Caserío de Masca.
This police operation received cooperation from the Local Police of Buenavista del Norte, which, alongside a subsequent judicial ruling, has significantly enhanced the security of this tourist region, as stated by the City Council of Buenavista.
The incidents being investigated took place on the 13th and 15th of April at the viewpoint known as Baracán (TF-436), located within the municipality of Buenavista del Norte.
Specifically, on the 13th, a tourist reported the theft of 400 euros in cash and a mobile phone valued at 300 euros from their rental vehicle. On the 15th of April, another tourist reported damage to the glass of their rental car at the same site.
One of the victims provided photographs of the suspected perpetrator, taken inadvertently during an encounter with the second victim. Consequently, the Civil Guard agents recognised the individual, referred to as MS, who has a history of numerous police incidents.
Moreover, one of the complainants positively identified him in a photographic line-up. The arrest by the Civil Guard agents from the Buenavista del Norte post occurred on 21st April, following the discovery of MS near the Mirador de Cruz de Hilda in Masca, where he was reportedly observing vehicles belonging to tourists parked in the vicinity.
The detainee is linked to over 200 offences documented in police records, primarily against property (thefts and burglaries within vehicles), having repeatedly targeted the Masca region, and has been arrested 44 times for similar acts.
In light of this criminal record and the substantial level of alarm and insecurity caused in the area, the Civil Guard sought a precautionary measure from the Judicial Authority to prohibit the detainee from approaching key locations within the area where he typically operates.
The Court of Instruction No. 1 in Icod de los Vinos has ruled to restrict MS from approaching the areas of particular tourist interest in Masca.
