Ten people have been arrested following a series of violent robberies and burglaries on the Spanish island of Tenerife.
The Guardia Civil has detained ten individuals accused of belonging to a criminal gang specialising in violent robberies and so-called "ram raid" attacks across the entire island. In ram raids, which target shops, jewellers, and residential buildings, the perpetrators crash a stolen car into a building to gain access.
The suspects, aged between 18 and 25, allegedly used more than 20 stolen rental cars, primarily targeting shops.
According to investigators, the gang was mainly active during the early morning hours. To conceal their identities, they frequently changed masks and clothing and used fake number plates.
The gang stands accused of numerous crimes, including ram raids on pharmacies, bars, restaurants, and petrol stations, as well as violent robberies on jewellers and private homes, during which they used machetes, large knives, and baseball bats.
Additionally, the suspects are believed to have been involved in large-scale vehicle thefts from car rental companies and thefts from shops.
Authorities estimate the damage from the robberies at approximately €60,000. The value of stolen jewellery is believed to be around €38,600, while other stolen items are valued at approximately €30,000.
In total, investigators have linked the gang to at least 35 crimes committed in a dozen municipalities on the island, including Adeje, Arona, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, and San Cristóbal de La Laguna.
Three simultaneous investigations are underway, during which stolen vehicles, burglary tools, machetes, disguises, fake number plates, and some jewellery have been seized.
On court orders, three of the main suspects have been placed in pre-trial detention without the option of bail.
