Residents alert police to early-morning theft
Shortly before 5:15 a.m. on 30 July, residents near the train tracks in Mollet del Vallès called the 112 emergency number after hearing the sound of an angle grinder and seeing people with torches moving around the rail corridor. The callers reported suspicious activity along the railway line, prompting an immediate response from multiple patrols of the Mossos d'Esquadra, Catalonia's regional police force.
Three suspects intercepted fleeing scene
Officers launched a search of the tracks and surrounding streets. During the operation, they observed three men running from the area where the disturbance was reported, heading towards Carrer Sant Jordi. Police intercepted and identified the men at number 51 on that street. All three had dirt on their hands and clothing consistent with recent handling of tools or electrical materials. Their accounts of why they were in the area were inconsistent and contradictory, according to police.
Tools and cut cable found at railway site
Officers searching the track area discovered a large cable cutter, an angle grinder still warm to the touch, and a glove. The heat of the tool indicated it had been used very recently. Nearby, several sections of copper cable had been cut from the overhead catenary system. Part of the cable had already been severed, while another section still hung loose.
Electrical testing device found nearby
A non-contact voltage tester with built-in flashlight was found hidden under a parked vehicle. This tool is used to verify the absence of electrical current before working on power systems, reducing the risk of electrocution. Its presence supports the theory that the suspects were preparing to dismantle live railway infrastructure.
The three men, aged 23, 30 and 40, were arrested on suspicion of theft of railway copper cabling.
They were transferred into judicial custody at the on-duty court in Mollet del Vallès on 31 May. The incident highlights ongoing risks to rail infrastructure from metal theft, which can disrupt services and endanger public safety.
Primary sources: govern.cat, mossos.gencat.cat, molletvalles.cat, ${rpb.dspace.name}, Esther de Pablo Palmer, ${rpb.dspace.name}, ${rpb.dspace.name}, ${rpb.dspace.name}, ${rpb.dspace.name}. Reported by Julio Collado, sommollet.cat, lavanguardia.com, El Periódico, El 9 Nou, RevistadelValles, Arantxa Palacios;Silvia Díaz, Carla Stavraky, somvalles.cat, E. P.
