Quick-thinking residents in El Vendrell, Baix Penedès, helped Mossos d'Esquadra officers arrest a burglar on 13 May. The 54-year-old man, who has 45 previous convictions, was caught after locals hid his getaway scooter, preventing his escape.
The incident occurred around 8.15pm on Valentí Carné street. The burglar forced open a window of a business using a screwdriver, leaving a scooter nearby for his planned escape. However, his entry triggered the alarm, alerting police.
Mossos d'Esquadra officers arrived quickly at the scene. They saw the man climbing out of the window, intending to flee. He expected to make a swift escape on his scooter, but it was nowhere to be found.
Residents' Clever Intervention
Some residents had observed the man breaking into the establishment. They decided to hide his scooter, a move that proved critical in stopping his escape. This intervention allowed the police to apprehend and detain him.
Identifying the burglar was not difficult for the officers. With 45 previous convictions, he was already well-known to law enforcement. He faces charges of aggravated robbery.
The man is expected to appear before a judge today. The court will decide whether he will be remanded in custody or released, potentially adding to his extensive criminal record.
