Tenerife Crop Theft Bust: 12 Arrested
Twelve individuals have been arrested and investigated in northern Tenerife for stealing over 4,300 kg of avocados and other produce, causing significant economic losses to local farmers.
Farms in northern Tenerife are struggling because valuable crops are being stolen. A recent police operation brought this problem to light. These thefts cost farmers a lot of money and show how vulnerable the farming industry is to organized crime.
The Civil Guard reported that the operation resulted in the arrest and investigation of twelve individuals – ten men (aged 23 to 57) and two women (aged 19 and 46). They are linked to the theft of 3,500 kilograms of avocados from local farms. The operation, involving the ROCA Team (which specializes in rural robberies) and the Nature Protection Service (SEPRONA), began at the start of the fruit and vegetable season to increase surveillance on farms.
Besides the avocados, these individuals are also accused of stealing another 800 kilograms of produce, including papayas, pumpkins, and chestnuts. These thefts occurred on properties in towns like Tacoronte, El Sauzal, Tegueste, and Icod de los Vinos. The investigation has solved a total of eight crimes related to theft and economic damage. In one instance, a single farmer lost 2,800 kilograms of produce, amounting to an economic loss of over 17,000 euros.
Most of the robberies happened during the day. The suspects used cars or vans to travel and then entered the farms on foot. They often used irrigation channels as hidden paths to avoid being seen, or they climbed over perimeter fences. Some of those involved have previous police records for similar crimes. The cases have now been sent to the appropriate courts for further action.