Date Published: 13/02/2024

Condado de Alhama thief back on the loose

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The spate of attempted burglaries – perpetrated by one suspected individual – has started up again

Condado de Alhama thief back on the loose

Near the end of last year, a thief living at the Condado de Alhama golf resort was targeting the homes of his neighbours and stealing their belongings. Everyone knew who he was, but the police at the time were accused of being slow to act and the resort security, whilst being vigilant and doing their best to disrupt the thief’s attempted break-ins, were powerless to actually arrest him themselves.

Luckily, he was finally arrested just before Christmas and the crime wave – which is highly unusual for the normally peaceful resort of Condado and especially the area of La Isla where the man lives and where most of the robberies and attempted robberies occurred – came to an end.

Until now.

The suspect is back out and, it seems, up to his old tricks, attempting to break in to homes on La Isla to steal residents’ belongings. Block 11 has suffered two break-ins and one attempt, and there have been a number of attempts on block 1 and possibly one break-in.

A message sent to owners this week by resort administrators stated, “I’m really sorry to say that there have been further break ins and attempted break-ins across La Isla overnight. I think we all know who the suspect is as the method is the same as before, entry via the kitchen window.

“This means that we all need to remain alert and report anything suspicious to security straight away, particularly unusual noises during darkness, no matter what the time.

“I know how anxious this makes people. Please be assured this type of crime is very uncommon on La Isla – with the exception of this one individual. The police, security and the community know who is responsible and we need to allow the Spanish justice system to do its job whilst we remain vigilant. The individual has already been charged with a number of offences and we believe him to be on bail.

“I cannot advise strongly enough that you ensure that you have window bolts fitted on your kitchen window as a minimum. All of the attempts we have had where flyscreens have been torn to get access to the window, but the window has been bolted. These bolts act as a real deterrent for minimal cost (approx €20 or less if you do it yourself).

“I can assure you that security are doing all they can within the law and are constantly seeking alternative solutions. Security called the Guardia Civil at 9.00 this morning to come to the break ins where there are likely to be fingerprints etc., but once again we have been let down as they have not attended, despite being contacted several times during the day.

“Security will once again be paying extra attention to La Isla tonight but please don’t hesitate to call them if you see or hear anything unusual.”

Irene Curtis, the Chair of the Security Committee, has stated that the security team is aware that the suspect was arrested for a second time on February 5 and appeared at Totana Court on February 6 charged with further offences and has since been released.

“There had been no further reports of burglary or theft on La Isla since his first arrest until yesterday when reports were received that two apartments had been entered overnight.”

While the Guardia Civil police have seemingly been slow to react, despite being fully informed of the situation, Irene has assured that the most recent victims will make official ‘denuncias’ or criminal reports to police later this week.

One reason that crime often goes unsolved or is not dealt with on urbanisations is that the victims do not go through the official police channels to report them. By the same token, one of the best ways to ensure that such crime is dealt with swiftly and does not reoccur is to file a complaint with the police.

See more:

Download the AlertCops app in Spain to contact the police easily and in English

All emergency numbers you should know in Spain

In the meantime, the security team at the Condado resort can be contacted on:

0034 968 328 027 (landline)
0034 633 966 491 (mobile/WhatsApp)

For more local news, events and other information go to the home page of Condado Today

Image: Condado de Alhama

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Condado de Alhama thief back on the loose

The spate of attempted burglaries – perpetrated by one suspected individual – has started up again

Special offer: Subscribe now for 25% off (36.95 euros for 48 Bulletins)

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