2 men in Vera held for stripping empty homes

THE Guardia Civil arrested two Vera men who allegedly stripped kitchen appliances from 21 empty houses in a new development.

A resident in the recently finished complex alerted the Local Police in the early hours of November 9 after noticing two strange men loading the appliances into a van.

The Guardia Civil went immediately to the scene but by then the vehicle had disappeared. In all, the intruders stole 11 washing machines, 11 dishwashers, 18 ovens, 17 kitchen hobs, 18 fridges and an air-conditioning and heating unit worth a total of €25,000. Through details supplied by witness, the Guardia Civil were able to trace the van’s owner, who explained that he had lent it that day to a friend, J.A.R.P. who said he needed it to do some work.

When questioned J.A.R.P’s numerous contradictions soon convinced police of his guilt and led to his arrest, together with that of F.F.R. aged 32 and also a Vera resident.

J.A.R.P., aged 35, has a police and prison record and prior to the Vera robbery was already wanted by the police. A warrant had been issued for his arrest together with an order from the Almeria criminal court for him to be taken immediately to prison if located.

The investigation remained open, said the Guardia Civil who hope to trace the whereabouts of the stolen appliances. Neither did they rule out further arrests, sources said.