In Spain, the problem of squatting has become a worrying reality that affects thousands of citizens. The feeling of impotence in the face of this crime is profound, since the Current laws do not always allow for a rapid and effective response. An example of this reality is the experience revealed by the ‘TardeAR’ program of Ildefonso, a resident of Cobisa, Toledo, whose life changed radically when he suffered two squats in less than 24 hours.
Ildefonso’s nightmare began one seemingly normal morning when he left his house to go to workA few hours later, a call from a neighbor informed him that squatters had broken into his home while he was away.
Ildefonso’s family quickly went to the scene, but the situation was more complicated than they imagined. “They said they had been sold keys, that their lawyer had told them it was their house and they showed us deeds, but it was a lie, they broke the window,” Ildefonso’s sister Maria explained to the website ‘Programme TardeAR. The Civil Guard arrived, but he expulsion It wasn’t immediate. because of the legal restrictions which prevent any action before the squat exceeds 24 hours.
When they arrived, the family found a desolate scene, destroyed furniture, scattered books on the ground and belongings taken outside. In addition, the squatters, comfortably installed under the porch, had set up a pool and took out the umbrellas and chairs from the house. “They filled the pool and turned on the water, which flowed until we got them to leave around 10 p.m.,” María said.
Despite the support of the mayor and the presence of the Civil Guard, Current legislation prevents rapid action. “The mayor was with us and supported us at all times. “She called the government delegate to ask for help, but the Civil Guard said that nothing could be done for 24 hours,” lamented María.
After several hours of tension, the squatters finally they left the housebut not before take several valuables. In this sense, Maria recounted with indignation: “They took bags with fans, clothes, a television, bicycles… Everything under our noses, and with the Civil Guard at the door. “We couldn’t affirm anything because they said we couldn’t testify if it was ours or theirs.”
The second squat in less than 24 hours
Despite recovering his home, Ildefonso’s relief did not last long, as the next morning, while they were trying to clean up and repair the damage caused by the squatters, Ildefonso briefly left buy a sandwich. During these few minutes, The squatters came back and squatted the house again.. “My brother went out to buy a sandwich and for those ten minutes he was squatting again. When his cell phone alarm went off, he ran back, but they were already inside, sitting on the same little chairs, making fun of everyone and saying that the house would be theirs,” explained María.
The situation became even worse when One of the squatters attacked him with a knife during the intervention of the Civil Guard. “She attacked herself, she stabbed herself in the stomach, they called 112 but nothing was done, they made them leave insulting all the people who were at the door,” said María.
Finally, the authorities succeeded evict the squatters, who threatened those present to try again. “They shouted to the whole city that they were going to go back. We feel defenseless because we see that the Civil Guard is coming and we can’t do anything against them. It’s exasperating,” concluded María.
