The GNR arrested six suspects in a series of home robberies in the municipality of Macedo de Cavaleiros two months ago. An organized network that stole gold, money and firearms.
A series of 13 robberies at closed emigrant residences in seven villages in Macedo de Cavaleiros, between November and December, triggered a GNR investigation that culminated in a search operation that involved around 100 soldiers in various parts of the country.
This action allowed arrest of five men and one womanthis last detained at Lisbon Airport when preparing to travel to Brazil where it originates.
Os suspectsfour Brazilians and two Portuguese, aged between 19 and 33, belonged to an organized network.
“A group identified residences in the first phase, isolated residences of people who do not reside in the region and, then in a second phase, carried out the theft mainly by breaking down the door”, explained Major Hernâni Martins, from the GNR of Bragança, adding that “money, gold, weapons and ammunition were stolen and, yesterday, it was possible to recover some of this material”.
This series of robberies, in seven villages, left the concerned populations, most of them elderly.
“People are not alone, we fully understand the insecurity and instability they feel because of the robberies, but we are here to help with whatever is necessary”, said Cristina Regente, president of Talhinhas and Bagueixe.
“It created a social alarm and a feeling of insecurity in people and, immediately, actions were taken in two areas”, said Major Hernâni Martins, explaining that “it was possible through patrolling, reduce theft and, following the investigation, it was possible to arrest them”.
Os detainees must be present, this Thursday, at the Macedo de Cavaleiros Court for the first judicial interrogation and application of coercive measures.
