The Olive Oil Heist
I did a job a while ago about an olive oil heist robbery in Castelló de Farfanya, the shop of OLICASTELLÓ ALSINA. The story was for The Times.
The thief used dynamite to break open the doors.
One got the impression visiting this little town that that might have been akin to a crime wave there. It’s a very sleepy place.
The people were nice; we got a tour of the mill, which is really, really old. We then did a tour of some of the olive fields. We ended up at one which has very special olives they only harvest by hand.
Apparently this is one of the first examples of a new crime wave occurring in Catalunya that has been sweeping the south of Spain for a while now.
The price of olive oil has skyrocketed in recent years making it akin to ‘green gold.’
Some of the crimes have involved destroying the trees with chainsaws to get the unprocessed olives, probably because its easier than blowing up local shops.
The theft, valued at approximately 1,500 euros, highlights the significant financial impact of such crimes on local businesses. The surveillance footage reveals a well-planned operation, with the perpetrator arriving in a dark-colored vehicle and making multiple trips to load the stolen goods.
This incident is part of a larger pattern of olive oil thefts occurring across Spain. Olive oil, a staple of Spanish cuisine and culture, has seen a surge in demand both domestically and internationally. This leads to rising prices. Thieves see an opportunity for profit, targeting stores and warehouses where olive oil is stored in large quantities.
As communities grapple with the implications of this olive oil heist, there is a growing sense of urgency to find solutions. Businesses are implementing enhanced security measures, while consumers are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity. Ultimately, addressing the root causes of this phenomenon, such as the high value placed on olive oil and its vulnerability to theft, will be crucial in preventing future incidents and safeguarding the integrity of Spain’s olive oil industry.
