Thieves breached a bar on London Street in Barcelona’s Eixample district. They stole approximately €2,500 and emptied vending and slot machines. The aggravated robbery occurred around 03:00 on 1 April, prompting a police investigation.
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The culprits gained entry by creating a hole in a wall. This method is known as a “butrón.” It allowed access through a permanently closed door. This door connects the bar to an adjacent apartment block’s communal entrance. Residents told ElCaso.com that the thieves first entered the residential portal.
Nearby residents heard loud noises around 03:00. These sounds disturbed their sleep. They promptly alerted emergency services. The bar owner, upon arrival, discovered the premises “completely ransacked,” ElCaso.com reported.
The thieves forced open the cash register. They took all its contents. They also broke into tobacco vending machines and slot machines. All the cash inside these machines was stolen. The total cash stolen from the till alone amounted to approximately €2,500.
Police Investigation Underway
The Mossos d’Esquadra, Catalonia’s police force, responded to the incident. Officers conducted an initial visual inspection of the scene. They also interviewed the bar owner to gather further details.
The police have opened an investigation into the aggravated robbery. However, investigators face significant challenges. The establishment lacks both video surveillance cameras and an anti-theft alarm system.
This absence of security features complicates the Catalan police’s inquiries. They currently have no description of the individual or individuals involved. This makes identifying and apprehending the culprits more difficult.
Local Impact and Context
The Eixample district is a bustling central Barcelona area. It is home to over 260,000 residents. Incidents of aggravated robbery, particularly those involving such methods, raise concerns for local businesses and residents regarding security.
The “butrón” method involves making a hole in a wall or floor to gain entry. Criminals often target premises with weak security or adjacent vulnerable properties. This specific incident highlights the need for robust security measures in commercial establishments.
The Mossos d’Esquadra continue their active investigation into the London Street bar robbery. As of the latest reports, they have not yet made any arrests.
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Originally published by El Caso (El Nacional). Read original article.
