A criminal group was dismantled this week in Baix Empordà following a series of violent robberies in the homes of elderly people in municipalities such as Palafrugell, Mont-ras, and Calonge. The Mossos d'Esquadra attribute the theft of more than 46,000 euros in cash and jewelry in at least five assaults committed since the end of December to those arrested.
Robberies of the elderly in Baix Empordà
The first robbery took place on December 30 in Palafrugell. The last assault occurred on Monday night in Mont-ras. In all cases, the perpetrators entered the homes with their faces covered by ski masks, assaulted the victims, and immobilized them by tying them up. **The group always selected homes of elderly people** in towns in Baix Empordà, taking advantage of the residents' vulnerability.According to the investigation, the thieves managed to steal 13,200 euros in cash and jewelry valued at up to 33,000 euros. After each robbery, they fled in vehicles parked at strategically planned locations to facilitate their escape
Arrest after a chase in Llagostera
The investigation was initiated by the Mossos of the Basic Criminal Investigation Area of La Bisbal d'Empordà and later assumed by the Criminal Investigation Division of the Girona Regional Police. The inquiries made it possible to identify the alleged perpetrators and locate them in several homes in the municipality of Calonge.
During their escape after the latest assault, the suspects' vehicle collided with another car in Calonge, leaving the driver of the second vehicle with minor injuries. The Calonge Local Police initiated proceedings for the accident, although at that time they were unable to apprehend the members of the group.The following day, the Mossos followed a vehicle leaving the home of one of the arrested individuals to a wooded area in Llagostera, where the arrest took place. **The three arrested individuals have a combined total of 26 prior police records, and one of them has 52 prior records for similar incidents in Belgium**.
Imprisonment and open legal case
The agents arrested the three members of the group for five violent home invasions, belonging to a criminal group, and unlawful detention. This Friday, two of the detainees were brought before the Girona court on duty, and the third before the Sant Feliu de Guíxols court. All three have been remanded in custody while the investigation remains open.
It is not ruled out that new arrests related to these events may occur in the coming days. The police operation has put an end to a series of assaults that had caused concern in the region.