The National Police have arrested a 24-year-old man in Alicante as the perpetrator of six robberies that occurred at ATMs located at various banks in the city. The suspect, who possessed a lengthy criminal history, approached his victims while they were operating ATMs and successfully robbed them of over 5,400 euros. In order to accomplish this, he implemented a form of fraud that is referred to as “sowing” in police jargon. He even employed violence against one of the victims in one instance.

Commonly, the incidents were conducted in a similar manner. The perpetrator approached individuals between the ages of 54 and 82 as they proceeded to use the ATM. He took advantage of the moment they entered their PIN to approach and distract them, using the terminal and withdrawing the maximum amount possible, typically 900 euros.

The perpetrator was identified as a result of the investigation conducted by agents of the Judicial Police Group. He was a young man who was notorious for his illicit activities.

Background

The alleged perpetrator was apprehended by the National Police in the city of Alicante. Numerous garments were confiscated from him during his detention, which corresponded to those employed in three of the incidents under investigation.

The individual who was apprehended had been detained by a variety of law enforcement agencies on 29 separate occasions within the past eight months. The majority of these arrests were for burglary, fraud, robbery with violence, and other violations.

In Alicante, he was presented before the duty court. He is accused of theft and fraud with the use of violence and intimidation.

Tips for preventing ATM fraud

The National Police urges citizens, particularly seniors, to exercise caution when using ATMs:

• Refrain from operating if you observe individuals loitering in the vicinity.

• Be sure to conceal the keypad when entering your PIN.

• Refuse assistance from individuals who are not acquainted with you.

• Prevent any individual from approaching during the execution of an operation.

• In the event that the ATM is malfunctioning, it is advisable to either enter the branch or contact the bank and rescind the transaction.

It is imperative that you promptly notify the National Police in the event that you suspect or encounter any unusual circumstances. It is possible to prevent becoming a victim of this type of crime by paying attention to tiny details and taking preventative measures.

The installation of the building’s perimeter fencing marked the commencement of renovation work on the Central Market yesterday, Tuesday 22nd April, nearly two decades after the staking-out document was signed. The objective was to mitigate the impact on local businesses and hospitality during Holy Week.

Pablo Ruz, the Mayor of Elche, declared, “We will observe the progress of the work in the upcoming weeks, which will provide us with an understanding of the magnitude of the intervention and the necessity of this project.” Ruz clarified that the perimeter fencing has commenced and that internal construction will commence this week. Furthermore, the dismantling of the west facade will finalise the excavation in the upcoming weeks.

The mayor announced that the interior elements of the upper floor of the market will be removed in the near future. He said, “Many will go to the Puçol Museum, as they are part of an era we want to preserve.”

The 20-year-old driver who was arrested by the Guardia Civil on Sunday for his alleged involvement in an accident that resulted in the death of a cyclist and the injury of his 14-year-old son in the Mascarat tunnel on the N-332 highway in Calp is currently free and is awaiting a court summons that will be issued prior to the trial.

The young man was arrested on suspicion of committing the offences of negligent homicide, reckless injuries, and violations of road safety.

The Guardia Civil sent the report to the judicial authorities after gathering all the necessary information, according to sources from the armed forces. The young man has been released pending a court summons.

The driver never appeared at the Investigative Court No. 3 of Dénia, as per the High Court of Justice of the Valencian Community (TSJCV), which has already received the Guardia Civil’s report on the events. The judge is currently reviewing the report in preparation for the investigative proceedings that are associated with it.