In Alicante, two men and a woman between the ages of 28 and 57 have been arrested by National Police officers for their purported involvement in a robbery that occurred at the residence of an 85-year-old woman.
The investigation revealed that the defendants used a fake key to gain entry to the residence and stole 120,000 euros in 200-euro bills. They subsequently substituted the stolen currency with paper cutouts that resembled bundles of cash.
The perpetrators selected the victim, who lacked a family or tight support network.
Beginning of the investigation
The police operation was initiated by the victim’s own complaint. The scam was discovered by the woman when she inspected the location where she stored her assets. The bundles of bills still bore the original tape, but within were unremarkable paper clippings that were equivalent to a 200-euro bill.
The Alicante Provincial Judicial Police Brigade and personnel from the Central District Police Station were responsible for conducting the investigation.
The strategy
The investigation verified that the suspects were associated with a real estate company and had successfully earned the victim’s trust through commonplace gestures and offers, such as accompanying her to the hairdresser or participating in a variety of social activities.
They even extended an invitation to her to spend two days at a spa located outside of the city, which they exploited to perpetrate the burglary.
One of the employees of the real estate agency, who had previously assisted the woman with the purchase and renovation of her property, was aware of the funds and possessed a spare key. The company’s administrator, who was accountable for the preparation of the paper cuts and the execution of the larceny, was informed of this information by this individual.
The victim’s mother, who was considerably younger than the employee, accompanied her to the resort in order to prevent her from returning home during the abduction. In the interim, an additional real estate employee absconded with the woman, unaware that he was a party to an illicit scheme.
Searches and arrests
The primary suspect was apprehended at a restaurant in Alicante as he was about to surrender a portion of the stolen money. A high-end mobile phone and 26,000 euros in cash were confiscated during the search.
Subsequently, the manager and the woman who had accompanied the victim were apprehended at the estate agency’s office.
Agents conducted four inspections during the operation: two at the company’s headquarters and two at private residences.
Two of the individuals apprehended, who were identified as the intellectual and material authors of the robbery, were brought before the Alicante Court of Instruction while on duty.
Safety Advice
The National Police emphasises the necessity for older individuals, particularly those who reside independently, to implement preventive measures in order to avert falling victim to this form of criminal activity:
- Do not give keys to the home to people outside the family circle.
- Avoid discussing the existence of money or valuables at home.
- Be wary of seemingly disinterested offers that involve transfers or personal arrangements.
- Consult with family members or trusted individuals before signing documents or handing over money.
- Request official accreditation from anyone requesting access to the home on behalf of companies or technical services.
- Maintain frequent communication with neighbors and relatives.
- If you have any suspicions, contact the National Police immediately at 091.
Author: Derek Appleton
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