The Guardia Civil has arrested a man and a woman, both 38 years old, for allegedly committing six crimes in Malaga and Alicante using the “hug” approach. After appearing before a judge, they were ordered to be held in custody.

On May 1st in Calpe (Alicante), police from the investigation area of the town’s main post saw a suspicious car driving at a low speed. The vehicle’s occupants were particularly interested in older folks passing through the region.

Given these odd conditions, investigators checked the vehicle’s database and determined it was associated with previous crimes. They then identified the occupants, verifying that each had an arrest warrant for a robbery committed weeks earlier in Marbella, according to a Guardia Civil statement.

Key information concerning the arrest:

A 38-year-old man and woman were arrested for six crimes in Malaga and Alicante.
They employed the hugging approach to perpetrate crimes.
They have been linked to a violent robbery in Marbella.
The embrace technique is a frequent practice among organised crime groups.

A couple arrested for robbery with the hug method

While police were conducting the arrest, it was discovered that the same couple had committed a theft in Calpe, stealing two gold chains from a tourist by fondling and personal contact. A thorough examination linked them to four other similar events since April.

Significant economic damage

Several high-end watches were violently robbed in Jávea, Pilar de la Horadada, and Marbella. Jewellery and watches were also stolen in La Nucía, Calpe, and Pedreguer. The anticipated financial loss surpasses €140,000. Both detainees were taken before Denia Investigating Court No. 2 and sentenced to prison.

Criminal organisations’ methods of operation

The hug method is a popular tactic among organised travel groups.
They prefer elderly persons or those in vulnerable positions as their victims.
They distract their victims with phoney gestures of affection before stealing things.

One person died yesterday, Monday May 12th after being struck by an Intercity train travelling from Valencia to Cartagena in Villena (Alicante) while crossing an unauthorised point, according to Renfe sources. The main hypothesis is suicide, although the circumstances are still being clarified, according to sources.

According to Guardia Civil sources, the call to 112 was received around 5:00 p.m., and the body was recovered at 7:00 p.m.

Renfe reported that the incident happened at 4:57 p.m. and involved five trains. As a result, an alternative bus route has been established for medium-distance trains. Service resumed at 7:15 p.m.

Torrevieja City Council and the Torrevieja Fair Traders Association (ATIF) released a joint statement yesterday afternoon, Monday May 12th. Federico Alarcón, Councillor for Public Space Use, Openings, and Activities, declared that the fair would remain in Antonio Soria Park for another year.

The prospect of transferring the amusement park to Torrevieja’s waterfront for the months of July and August was discussed. However, the statement clarifies that after considering the feasibility and potential effects, it has been decided to remain in this temporary site.

The fair’s attractions reopened in June 2023, following a more than six-month absence, but at a different location, Antonio Soria Park. Since they are already losing revenue as a result of being away from their typical location, they have contemplated remaining put to ensure their return in 2026.

According to their study, returning during the summer months would disrupt development work on the port’s new recreational area, delaying its completion and, as a result, the amusement park’s return. The decision was made by an absolute majority of the association’s members.