The Guardia Civil has arrested two young males, ages 19 and 21, in Torrevieja. They are suspected of stealing 13 pieces of jewellery between September and November using the “snatch-and-grab” method. The criminals chose their victims carefully, picking people who were less able to fight back so they could steal their jewellery and make their escape easier.
The police started looking into the case after noticing an upsurge in violent robberies that followed the same pattern in public locations. The arrested individuals collaborated, with one person monitoring the area and the other ruthlessly stealing the victim’s belongings. They robbed up to four times in a row in one day.
At first, investigators linked the two detainees to eight robberies with violence and thefts. They were caught last October and taken to court, where they were later released.
However, in the following days, detectives unearthed new information that they felt would again link these two individuals . Once their suspicions were validated, they were caught again on November 6th, accused of five more robberies committed that past week. This time, one of the accused was remanded in custody by court order.
The inquiry has solved 13 offences and entirely demolished the criminal activity of the two arrested suspects . The stolen items were largely gold chains and accessories, which they were able to take and sell with ease.
Robberies like these
The Guardia Civil in Torrevieja is doing everything it can to stop this kind of street robbery. Thus far, the Guardia Civil in Torrevieja has identified 23 individuals linked to 56 such crimes over the past few months. They have also found and returned to their owners a number of jewellery items.
So, the Guardia Civil wants to remind people of several tips to avoid being a victim of this kind of theft: Keep your bags, phones and other valuables on the inside of the sidewalk, away from other people and cars. Don’t wear flashy jewellery where other people can see it, especially in crowded or narrow places. Walk in well-lit and busy areas if you can. If you see or experience a crime, call 062 or 112 right away.
Working together as citizens
It is also stressed that everyone needs to work together to support anyone who may be a victim of this type of crime, especially those who are in a very weak position because of their own predicament. So, if someone sees a crime or thinks one might happen, they should report it right away and try to get as much information as they can about the people they think did it.
Author: Derek Appleton
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