Spanish police have dismantled an alleged criminal network accused of stealing more than 1,100 chairs from outdoor restaurant and bar terraces in Madrid and a neighbouring municipality. Seven people, six men and a woman, have been arrested.
The National Police said the thefts occurred between August and September across 18 establishments in Madrid and Talavera de la Reina, a town southwest of the capital. The chairs were taken at night, when many restaurants leave their outdoor furniture—typically made of metal or hard plastic—stacked and chained outside.
The stolen property is estimated to be worth around €60,000 (£53,000), according to police. The chairs were resold in Spain as well as in Morocco and Romania.
The suspects face charges of theft and belonging to a criminal organisation. Police investigations are ongoing.
