Smash and Grab Gang Move
Location of their
Attacks
Police have issued a
warning that the gang
known as "quiebra
vidrios" no longer
operate in the Hatilles,
moving to the crossing
that goes from Santa Ana
to Belén, near the
Panasonic warehouse.
The "quiebra vidrios" (windown
breakers) are known for
their smash and grab
style of attacks,
breaking the side
windows of vehicles
stopped in traffic and
grabbing valuables from
the seats.
The gang is thought to
be made up of groups 2
or 3 individuals who
were responsible for an
average of 11 attacks
daily in the Hatillos.
Authorities say they
believe the men are drug
addicts who targeted
women driving alone who
customarily left their
handbag on the passenger
seat. The gang operated
mainly during 5:00pm and
8:00pm.
The gang stalk the
traffic lights waiting
for the vehicle to come
to a stop or stopped in
heavy traffic, smash the
side window with a spark
plug, and then run off
with whatever they can
grab.
Police have been on the
trails of the gang and
after placing enough
pressure, forcing the
gang to move to a new
location, in this case
the Santa Ana - Belén
intersection, where
traffic has been
building up regularly at
the busy intersection.
The gang has also been
known to hit cars at the
San Sebastian rotonda
and intersections in
Tibás.
The number of attacks
dropped when one of the
gang members, 20 year
old Juárez Solano, was
arrested by police and
is believed to be one of
the ring leaders of the
group that may include
up to 50 people. Another
member of the gang was
detained by police but
let go because he was a
minor.
The problem became a
real headache for
drivers in the Hatillos
and police some three
months ago when the
number of complaints
daily increased.
Authorities advice to
drive through the
Hatillos and now the
Santa Ana - Belén
intersection with the
windows closed and not
leave any valuables on
the seats, so as not to
become the next victim.
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