A scooter thief arrested in Malaga in connection with several mobile phone thefts

A 48-year-old man was arrested in Malaga by National Police after reportedly stealing mobile phones and other goods while riding a scooter. Investigators have accused him with four charges of theft and one allegation of fraud. The suspect preferred petrol stations, where he would take advantage of consumers leaving their cars unlocked to refuel or wash them, snatching items along the way, according to the regional police station.

In his most recent crime, he allegedly beat a young woman from behind in the Malaga neighbourhood of Teatinos, stealing her phone. He was detained by onlookers who assisted the girl while waiting for a police patrol, which eventually apprehended him. The Northern District investigation group of the National Police Station is looking for a “snatcher” who has stolen from petrol stations in Virreina, Ciudad Jardín, and the university area on a scooter since June. Investigators’ reports all pointed to the same criminal, based on physical traits and manner of committing the crime. With a preference for petrol stations, the thief would take advantage of a moment when the victim was not looking, leaving the vehicle unattended for a moment to pay for a fill-up or wash the car, and steal any valuables he discovered in plain sight. Once the treasure was in his possession, the intruder fled on a scooter.

Investigators were working to identify the accused perpetrator, who had used stolen bank cards to make purchases at establishments in the capital.

A physiognomic study, in partnership with the Forensic Police, resulted in the suspect’s full identification. During the search for the culprit, he allegedly assaulted a young woman from behind on August 24th, stealing her cell phone from her hand on Parménides Street. The girl’s calls for help alerted some citizens, who raced to her rescue and apprehended the perpetrator, detaining him until the arrival of a National Police patrol. Investigators charge him with four charges of theft and one act of bank card fraud.

Author: Derek Appleton