National Police officers arrested two men aged 28 and 22 in Alicante as alleged perpetrators of the theft of a tourist’s backpack on Postiguet beach a few minutes after they committed the act, thanks to police reinforcement carried out in conjunction with the recently launched ‘Operation Summer’ and citizen collaboration of other bathers, witnesses of the events, who provided relevant information about the perpetrators.
Operation Summer – Police Reinforcements
As part of Operation Summer, and owing to the city of Alicante’s expanded police force, a call from a tourist whose rucksack had been taken while she was swimming received a quick response.
The victim called the CIMACC Room at 091 to report that he had gone to take a shower, and when he returned to the location where he had his towel, his rucksack with his stuff was missing.
Patrols were soon deployed to the surrounding area, and while some officers treated the victim and gathered information, others set out to find the criminals.
Witnesses gave crucial information
In this regard, the police were able to find and interview with two witnesses who noticed two men hovering near the bather’s towel while she was away for a few minutes before realising it had been stolen.
In fact, one of the witnesses indicated that he had seen one of the men acting as a shield and the other seizing the victim’s backpack before they rapidly fled for the city, and was even able to provide particular directions of departure.
Finally, thanks to the important information provided by witnesses, one of the patrols stationed in the area was able to locate both men within a few minutes, who were just near the designated escape path. After conducting the necessary checks, the officers arrested both men and confirmed that they were the suspected perpetrators of the theft.
Modus operandi identified
Recent police interventions on the province’s beaches have revealed the typical culprits’ method of carrying out this type of crime: they disguise themselves as another bather and spread their towel near the chosen target. When the victim goes for a swim and forgets their possessions, one of them acts as a screen and watches the scene, while the other steals the goods. Both then depart from the area, potentially changing their clothes to avoid identification by other bathers, a tactic known as the “mortadelo” in police terminology.
Help us defend you!
The National Police, in light of the summer season and the impending Alicante Bonfires of San Juan festivities, are reminding locals of several guidelines that might help prevent potential crimes on beaches and in regions with a heavy tourist influx, such as:
Try not to lose sight of your belongings.
At the beach or pool, take only what is essential.
Protect your purse or wallet on public transport and in large crowds (street markets, shows, etc.).
Do not leave valuables or eye-catching objects visible inside your vehicle when you park it.
Try not to walk through lonely or poorly lit areas.
Be wary of suspicious “help” (reports of stains on clothing, a breakdown in your vehicle, etc.) – they are often ploys to steal from you.
Don’t engage in gambling on the street or accept “bargains” – they’re sure to be a scam or a swindle.
In the hotel or apartment, use the safe deposit boxes and when you are in the common areas (reception, restaurants, pool) keep an eye on your luggage and personal belongings (bags, cameras, etc.).
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