Madrid: Spanish police have uncovered an unusual crime spree — a gang accused of stealing over 1,100 restaurant chairs from outdoor seating areas in Madrid and Talavera de la Reina in just two months.

According to the National Police, the group — six men and one woman — operated during the night, targeting 18 restaurants and bars between August and September. The estimated value of the stolen property is around USD 69,000.

Authorities said the suspects face charges of theft and belonging to a criminal organisation. The stolen chairs were allegedly resold not only in Spain but also trafficked to Morocco and Romania.

Outdoor seating areas are common across Spain, where many restaurants and cafés leave their metal or hard-plastic furniture stacked outside overnight, often chained together. Despite these precautions, the thieves managed to steal large quantities undetected until recent weeks.

Police said the gang’s activities had caused significant financial losses to restaurant owners and sparked surprise among locals due to the unusual nature of the crime.

Spain’s National Police announced the arrests on Wednesday, confirming that the seven suspects were detained after an investigation into a string of thefts that began in August. The gang is accused of systematically stealing outdoor seating furniture from eateries across Madrid and the nearby municipality of Talavera de la Reina.

Investigators said the suspects targeted chairs made of durable materials, commonly used in Spanish terraces, and resold them through informal markets both domestically and abroad.

The total estimated value of the stolen items is approximately USD 69,000. Officers said the suspects operated at night, using vehicles to transport the stolen furniture.

In many Spanish cities, outdoor seating remains in public areas overnight due to limited storage space, often secured with chains. However, police said the gang was skilled at quickly dismantling locks and transporting large stacks of chairs without attracting attention.

The National Police confirmed that all seven suspects are now facing charges of theft and membership in a criminal organisation, with investigations continuing to trace potential buyers in other countries.

Officials said the arrests serve as a warning to businesses to improve nighttime security and surveillance, especially in tourist-heavy areas where outdoor dining remains central to local culture.
(With AP inputs)