Youth gang bust in Almeria city

JUDICIAL police have dismantled a youth gang responsible for stealing from premises in Almeria City, mainly in Vega de Aca and Nueva Andalucia.

The three young men, two Spaniards and one of Lithuanian origin, are charged with at least a dozen thefts. They allegedly targeted premises ranging from garages to large residential communities. Items stolen by the young men were predominantly bicycles and DIY tools.

The investigation began following several complaints from owners of storage facilities. According to the police, the modus operandi was always the same. The youths accessed the garages and selected those with the least visibility. They forced entry and removed items that would be suitable for a quick sale.

The police first identified JJFC, a 22-year-old resident of Almeria, who had a criminal record for similar offences from when he was 15.

He allegedly acted as the ringleader of the thefts, while the other two detainees, NMM and EK who were both aged 19, carried out the monitoring and support functions. The two younger offenders had no previous criminal history.