Man arrested after more than 50 religious statues stolen from cemeteries in Murcia and Orihuela
Police recover sacred images worth €100,000, some dating back 150 years
A 49-year-old man from Murcia has been arrested by the Guardia Civil following a string of thefts from cemeteries in the Murcia region and Orihuela, where more than 50 religious statues were taken. The stolen items are estimated to be worth nearly €100,000.The operation, known as Coemeterium, began back in March after families reported statues missing from burial plots at the parish cemetery in Torreagüera. It soon became clear that similar thefts had also taken place in Santomera, Cabezo de Torres and the districts of Zeneta, Cañadas de San Pedro and Sangonera la Verde. The wave of thefts eventually extended to the Orihuela cemetery as well.
The statues, many of which are religious figures crafted in Olot in Girona, have grown in value in recent years and are now considered collector’s items. One of the recovered pieces is believed to be around 150 years old.
Investigators believe the suspect is responsible for 15 separate burglaries. Working with art collectors and monitoring specialised markets, officers were able to identify 52 of the stolen figures. So far, 16 of them have been returned to their rightful owners, while the remaining 36 are being stored at the Torreagüera Guardia Civil post awaiting identification.
A spokesperson for the Guard Civil said the images were not only valuable in monetary terms but also held deep sentimental importance for the families affected.
Anyone who believes they may have had items taken is encouraged to visit the Guard Civil station in Torreagüera or call 968 874 760.
The case has also drawn attention to the rising interest in religious artefacts, especially those from Olot, which have become highly sought-after by collectors. Police are continuing efforts to reunite the remaining pieces with their rightful owners.
Image: Guardia Civil
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