A 55-year-old man, known as 'El Chincheta' (The Thumbtack), has repeatedly robbed the same Repsol petrol station in Badalona. Police arrested him six times, but a judge released him after each incident. The latest incident occurred on Tuesday, 14 April, at 12:00, highlighting significant concerns about the judicial system's effectiveness in tackling repeat offenders in the Barcelona metropolitan area.
Workers at the Repsol petrol station, located on Rambla de Sant Joan in Badalona's Lloreda neighbourhood, express profound desperation over the persistent attacks. Metrópoli reported exclusive access to security camera footage from the latest robbery. The video shows 'El Chincheta', dressed in a black hooded sweatshirt and wearing a mask, calmly approaching the counter. He intimidated the employee, forcing her to move from her position. The robber then took money from the till without displaying any weapon or resorting to physical violence. Police sources told Metrópoli that the individual "acts with total impunity" because the judge "releases him after each arrest" without imposing effective deterrents. This judicial leniency allows him to re-offend repeatedly at the same location.
Repeated Robberies and Judicial Concerns
The robber's modus operandi remains strikingly consistent across all six incidents. He calmly takes cash from the register and inspects other drawers for more money. After securing the loot, 'El Chincheta' simply walks out of the service station. This pattern leaves employees feeling increasingly helpless and frustrated. Despite multiple detentions by the Mossos d'Esquadra, the Catalan police force, the individual is frequently released. This situation has prompted police sources to voice their concerns about the lack of consequences for such a prolific offender.
Local Context and Police Frustration
Authorities also noted that 'El Chincheta' sometimes works with an accomplice during these robberies. He is a resident of Santa Coloma de Gramenet, a city directly bordering Badalona. Both municipalities are densely populated areas within the Barcelona metropolitan region. The repeated nature of these crimes in the Lloreda neighbourhood has created a sense of unease among local businesses and residents. Police officers, who invest resources into apprehending the suspect, face significant frustration when judicial decisions negate their efforts.
The ongoing situation raises significant questions about public safety and the effectiveness of the judicial process in the Barcelona metropolitan area. Businesses like the Repsol station and local residents face the direct consequences of repeat offending when legal measures appear insufficient. This case underscores the challenges police face in deterring persistent criminals and ensuring community security.
Sign up for our new entrepreneurs community Bizcelona, now accepting our second wave of applicants.
Originally published by Metrópoli Abierta - Urban Life. Read original article.
