According to numerous media reports in Spain, the off duty police officer was on Primero de Mayo Street when he saw a car and a van performing unusual maneuvers.
7 individuals then got out of the vehicle, 5 from the car and 2 from the van. The off-duty officer thought their behavior was suspicious, as they regularly looked in all directions and did not seem to have a clear idea of where they were going.
The off-duty police officer continued observing the group, and eventually was able to see how the men headed towards a truck parked nearby. Two of the men then grouped around the truck’s fuel tank, broke the cap, and began the process of siphoning off the truck’s diesel. Meanwhile, the other five stood guard and looked around the vicinity of the truck to check the coast was clear.
However, the off-duty officer was out of sight, and after calling his colleagues, the local police force were able to surprise the thieves and arrest everyone involved.
After inspecting the 2 vehicles the thieves had been using, numerous tools and containers that can be used to steal fuel were found.
All seven men have been charged and will have to appear before the court.
