Lorraine Williamson
A joint operation by the Guardia Civil and Policia Nacional has led to the arrest of seven people from a criminal network accused of carrying out over 100 home burglaries using the “bumping” method. The suspects are believed to have targeted properties in Albacete, Alicante, Murcia, and Valencia.
Authorities recovered €1,100 in cash, 33 watches, 29 pieces of jewellery, 15 high-end mobile phones, tablets, game consoles, and branded handbags. The total value of the stolen items exceeds €93,000.
Elderly residents targeted while away from home
The investigation began in July after a series of burglaries in Almansa and Caudete (Albacete). In each case, the suspects gained entry by exploiting a weakness in certain types of door locks.
Bumping involves manipulating the internal mechanism of a lock using specially prepared keys. These tools are widely available online and through second-hand sales platforms.
Investigators noticed a pattern. Most of the burglaries occurred at homes belonging to elderly people, often at similar times of day. In some cases, the same property was burgled twice. On one occasion, the group reportedly carried out three burglaries in a single day.
Structured roles within the group
Each member of the group had a defined role. The ringleader, an expert locksmith, coordinated the burglaries, selected the targets, and distributed the stolen goods. Another member was responsible for surveillance, observing residents’ movements from within stairwells or building entrances.
Others posed as couriers or utility workers to access buildings. Some distracted neighbours by pretending to conduct surveys or deliver leaflets.
Once inside, if no one was home, the burglars moved quickly. If the locks were not bump-proof, they used a bump key to open the door. If more advanced locks were present, they broke the security shields and used specialist tools.
Goods sold rapidly in local shops
The stolen items were usually sold soon after the thefts in Alicante. They were offloaded in gold-buying shops, second-hand stores, or directly to known buyers.
In one location, police recovered four lots of jewellery, including 11 gold items and a watch. However, other pieces had already been melted down after the legal deposit period expired.
Investigations continue
Police say the group travelled from a base in Alicante to commit the burglaries. They often took steps to avoid surveillance, including switching vehicles and using lookouts.
Authorities continue to examine whether the group is connected to other crimes in the region.