Residents of Debovo, a small village in Bulgaria’s Pleven district, were shaken by a violent home invasion that left an elderly couple hospitalized. Authorities confirmed that the attack occurred in the early hours of the morning, when intruders broke into the family’s home and brutally assaulted the victims before robbing them.
The incident unfolded around 3 a.m. on Monday, according to the Regional Directorate of the Ministry of Interior. At approximately 3:30 a.m., an emergency call was placed to the national 112 hotline, prompting police to rush to the scene. By the time officers arrived, the perpetrators had fled with stolen property.
Law enforcement officials revealed that the couple sustained rib fractures during the assault. They were immediately transported to a hospital in Pleven, where they remain under medical supervision. The injuries, while serious, are not believed to be life-threatening.
Police have launched an urgent investigation into the crime, working under the supervision of a prosecutor from the Pleven District Prosecutor’s Office. Investigative teams are gathering evidence, conducting forensic examinations, and canvassing the area for witnesses in hopes of quickly identifying the attackers.
The violent assault has reignited concerns about rural safety in Bulgaria, where isolated villages are often targeted by criminals who prey on vulnerable residents. The case has particularly unsettled locals, who fear a repeat of past tragedies.
The attack in Debovo is reminiscent of a notorious case before New Year’s Eve in 2017. At that time, a 57-year-old businessman from the nearby town of Levski was beaten to death in his own home during a robbery. His wife was severely injured and required hospitalization, while thieves made off with more than 100,000 leva.
Authorities acknowledge that such crimes leave lasting scars on small communities. “These attacks create fear and insecurity among rural residents, many of whom live alone or are elderly,” one police source said. “We are treating this investigation with the utmost urgency.”
Local media have reported that residents in Debovo are now calling for increased patrols and improved security measures. Many villagers worry that their homes, often located in secluded areas, are vulnerable to similar break-ins.
In recent years, Bulgaria has faced criticism over rural policing, with understaffed stations and limited resources making it difficult to respond quickly to emergencies in smaller settlements. Law enforcement agencies, however, insist they are prioritizing such cases and working closely with prosecutors to ensure justice.
As of now, investigators have not disclosed further details about the suspects or the specific items stolen from the couple’s home. Police are urging anyone with information to come forward.
For the couple in Debovo, the road to recovery will be long, both physically and emotionally. For their neighbors, the crime serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability that comes with living in isolated rural areas, where the threat of violence looms closer than many would like to believe.