Man arrested for stealing from 11 yachts and sailing boats at Valencia Marina
The National Police arrested a 31-year-old man who was robbing vessels almost daily at Valencia's port. The detainee has been remanded in custody.
Suspected author of eleven robberies from vessels at Valencia port arrested
A 31-year-old man has been arrested by the National Police as the suspected perpetrator of eleven offences of theft with force involving yachts and sailing boats moored at Valencia Marina, according to ABC. The detainee acted with almost daily frequency, forcing doors, hatches and roofs to gain access to the interior of vessels, in some cases whilst their owners were asleep on board.
The investigation began in August, when officers became aware of a series of robberies at the port complex. The Theft Unit of the Provincial Judicial Police Brigade took over the investigation and detected common patterns in all the assaults, which pointed to a single perpetrator.
Several of the affected boats functioned as the main residence or second home of their owners. In at least one case, the suspected thief gained access to the vessel with the residents sleeping inside. On a single night, he managed to target four different vessels.
The method followed a systematic protocol: the suspect climbed over the perimeter fence separating the docks and, once on the vessels, manipulated the entry points using tools to force entry. Collaboration from the port's security department and analysis of available footage made it possible to identify him fully.
On 24 August, officers located him at the facilities of the former Formula 1 circuit, close to the port. At the time of his arrest, various items were seized from him: drills, angle grinders, rucksacks, glasses and colognes. Much of the recovered property was returned to its legitimate owners.
After being brought before a judge as the suspected perpetrator of the eleven theft offences with force, the detainee has been remanded in custody.
Source: ABC