The delegate of the Government of Spain in the Community of Madrid, Francisco Martín, has pointed out that thefts in agricultural and livestock farms have been reduced by more than 50% in the last year in the Community of Madrid, a decrease that has related to the “extraordinary” work carried out by the ROCA Teams (Thefts in the Field) of the Civil Guard.
In fact, this is the lowest figure in the historical series in terms of this type of crime, with a decrease in absolute figures of more than 80 crimes compared to the previous year.
Francisco Martín has had the opportunity to know what his day to day life is like and the material means used in his investigations, such as drones, vehicles adapted for the field or thermal binoculars, in his visit today to the El Molar Civil Guard Post, one of the five in the region and the 130 nationally.
Its “magnificent results” are a demonstration of the importance of working together all the resources of the State in favor of the primary sector that “has the absolute support of the Government of Spain”.
ROCA equipment
The ROCA Teams (Field Thefts) is a specialized unit of the Civil Guard focused on preventing and investigating crimes affecting agricultural and livestock farms and crimes against heritage in the rural environment, focusing on thefts of machinery, tools, crops and animals on agricultural farms and livestock farms.
Created in 2013, it aims to reduce field thefts (machinery, tools, harvests) and improve the safety of farmers and ranchers. To do this, they carry out patrols, inspections at points of sale and transport of products to locate thefts.
Its functions include permanent contact with farmers and ranchers, analysis of information, operational coordination with other units, criminal investigation (preparation of attestations, investigations, coordination with judicial and fiscal authorities), obtaining data on offenders, inspection of affected farms, explanation of security measures to prevent theft, identification of perpetrators and design of operational devices for arrests.
They provide comprehensive coverage, acting as a security reference for these groups, and collaborate with units such as the Citizen Security Patrols, USECIC, SEPRONA, Rural Security Groups, Cavalry Group, Air Service, Rural Guards, private vigilantes, farmers and livestock farmers.
Statements by the Government delegate: https://we.tl/t-xFzKJZ4IzN