British expat hotspot sees huge surge in home burglaries as vigilante patrols set up

Break-ins appear to have surged in southern Costa Blanca but some residents admit many remain inevitable.

Homeowner, Sara Henarejos Carillo, said: “There’ve been 30 robberies in the last months or so, with up to four in one night.”

The gang reportedly wear balaclavas and dark clothing.

The group tend to operate in the early evening when they believe homes are empty.

Sara Nenarejos Carillo has launched a petition demanding more police patrols.

She also claimed officers never arrive in time to catch the burglars.

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The situation is causing “increased anger” among property owners.

Pinar de Campoverde Vecinos, a residents association in the area, said they now have 500 members in their “Theft Alert Group”.

Volunteers receive notifications every time a possible intruder is spotted.

The group descend on the area after calling Policia Local and Guardia Civil.

A number of people reportedly responded last Friday by carrying baseball bats and golf clubs to “foil” three attempted incidents after security alarms went off.

Marina Saez, a councillor covering Pilar’s Security, pleaded for “calm”.

She also stressed residents need to allow police to do their job and did not recommend vigilante patrols.

Saez added: “We are following several lines of inquiries that will hopefully bear fruit as soon as possible.”

Mayor Jose Maria Perez, Policia Local, Guardia Civil and local residents will have the opportunity to meet to discuss the situation after receiving an invitation from Pilar council.