Else Beekman
A coordinated police operation in Fuengirola and Mijas has led to the arrest of seven individuals linked to a recent spike in vehicle theft. The suspects, many of whom are drug-dependent, are accused of stealing items from parked cars and selling them on the black market to fund their drug use.
Videos of smashed car windows have been appearing for weeks on the popular Instagram account ‘Fuengirola se queja’, including one clip capturing a man breaking a window but then walking away. Comments on the posts suggest a growing concern among locals that vehicle theft has increased.
Coordinated police action across Fuengirola and Mijas
According to the National Police, the operation, carried out with support from the local police, has so far clarified seven separate incidents. Police recovered numerous stolen work tools and have since returned them to their rightful owners.
The suspects allegedly acquired their drugs in the Los Núcleos neighbourhood of Fuengirola. That same area has also been the focus of a wider anti-drug operation. Last week, police dismantled three cocaine sales points in the district, arresting five members of the same family clan for suspected drug trafficking and organised crime offences.
Authorities say the wave of thefts caused “significant public concern” in Fuengirola and Mijas Costa. Reports described a pattern of smashed windows, forced locks, and prised-open doors on vehicles left in public streets.
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The police response, dubbed Operation Glass, aimed to both prevent further thefts and identify those responsible. Investigators relied not only on victim reports but also on intelligence from local business associations and residents’ groups to build their case.
Most of the detainees are repeat offenders with known substance abuse issues. The proceeds from selling stolen goods were allegedly used to buy narcotics distributed in Los Núcleos.
In the broader sweep of the area, a major National Police deployment, backed by units including canine teams, aerial support, and specialised squads, raided three properties. They seized pre-packaged cocaine, cash, drug distribution tools, ammunition, a luxury vehicle, and several items linked to recent vehicle thefts.
A judge has remanded one of the five suspects arrested in the anti-drug raids in custody.
Sources: La Opinión de Málaga, Fuengirola se queja