Barcelona police have arrested a 23-year-old man in the Eixample district over 18 car break-ins and one theft from vehicles at a private car park.
Mossos d'Esquadra said the investigation began in February after officers saw a rise in similar thefts at the site. Police say the suspect entered the garage and smashed vehicle windows with a fire extinguisher to take personal items.
Items reported stolen included clothing, trainers, tools valued at around €200, house keys and backpacks. Surveillance footage helped identify the suspect, who police say acted repeatedly and with little caution, mainly at night to avoid detection.
The man has 33 previous police records, mostly for property crimes, especially thefts from inside vehicles. He also has 10 records with the Policía Nacional. Investigators said he would resume criminal activity soon after being released from custody, including in recent cases.
The suspect appeared before a judge on 15 May. For more Barcelona crime coverage, see our news page.
Read more from the Mossos d'Esquadra and the Spanish General Council of the Judiciary.