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Alicante Crime: Fewer cases but more Violence

Guardia Civil

With a 0.7% decrease in recorded offences over the previous year, crime in the province of Alicante had a minor overall dip in 2024. However, a recent Ministry of the Interior report found that robberies, sexual offences, and violent crimes have all climbed.

Increase in Violent Crimes and Murders

The 81.8% increase in homicides and murders, which went from 11 in 2023 to 20 in 2024, is the most concerning number. On the other hand, homicide attempts decreased by 19.7%. In the meantime, there were 1,413 recorded occurrences of attacks and rioting, a 20.1% rise.

Additionally, sexual offences increased by 5.1%, with 1,008 cases reported. Other sexual crimes rose 6.5% to 786 instances, whereas penetration-related rape cases (222) decreased by a small 0.5%. This increase, according to the Ministry, is partly due to victims’ increasing awareness and willingness to disclose crimes.

An increase in drug crimes and robberies

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Alicante province witnessed a 10.5% increase in robberies involving violence and intimidation, with 2,207 instances, while the country’s robbery rates decreased. The enhanced efforts by law enforcement against drug trafficking networks are reflected in the 3.6% increase in drug-related crimes, which reached 1,145 reported instances.

Trends in Cybercrime and Fraud

Overall, cybercrime decreased by 0.1%, remaining largely unchanged. However, following a significant spike in 2023, computer fraud incidents decreased by 1.9%. Other cybercrimes increased from 2,121 to 2,431 cases, a 14.6% increase.

Reduced Home Theft and Burglaries

At 5,699, there was a significant drop in residential burglaries, which was 9.2% lower than in 2023. With 26,416 recorded occurrences, thefts—one of the most frequent crimes affecting locals—also decreased by 2.2%.

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Crevillent and Petrer at opposite ends are crime hotspots.

Crevillent saw the largest increase in crime among the municipalities, with 1,057 reported offences, or a 15.6% increase. Petrer, on the other hand, experienced the biggest drop in crime, with 851 recorded cases—a 21.9% drop.

Alcoy (5.9%), Aspe (7%), Torrevieja (5.4%), Orihuela (0.3%), and Elche (1.4%) are some places where crime has increased. In the meantime, crime decreased in El Campello (-20.8%), Dénia (-5.2%), Altea (-13%), and Benidorm (-3%).

The increase in violent crimes and robberies is a major worry despite the general decline in crime, underscoring the necessity of ongoing watchfulness and law enforcement initiatives throughout

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Costa Blanca

Criminal group dedicated to burglary on farms in the Vega Baja dismantled

As part of Operation “Entrada25,” the Alicante Guardia Civil has dismantled a criminal organisation that was operating in the Vega Baja region and was responsible for burglaries on agricultural estates. Part of the stolen goods have been recovered and returned to their legitimate owners, but the total value of the stolen goods is estimated to exceed 40,000 euros. One individual has been apprehended, and two others are currently being investigated as a consequence of the investigation.

In late 2024, the Torrevieja Field Robbery Team initiated an investigation into the incident in response to numerous complaints. The perpetrators were observed by the investigators to be obtaining access to the facilities by forcing locks or doors, exploiting periods when no personnel were working, and stealing high-value products such as fertilisers, compost, and phytosanitary products.

The Torrevieja Field Robbery Team received assistance from the Seprona (National Police Service) in Guardamar del Segura, the Guardia Civil stations in Guardamar and Callosa de Segura, and the local police forces of Catral, Almoradí, Rafal, Cox, Granja de Rocamora, Algorfa, Benijófar, Formentera del Segura, Rojales, Benejúzar, Los Montesinos, and San Miguel de Salinas. The operation’s success was significantly influenced by the coordinated efforts of all divisions, as well as the investigation and analysis of evidence that was obtained. This led to the identification and location of the perpetrators and the discovery of some of the stolen material.

Additionally, the operation included numerous examinations of suspicious farms, warehouses, and vehicles, which were crucial in elucidating the events.

One of the suspects, a 35-year-old male, was apprehended as part of the established operations at the end of March. Subsequently, two additional males, aged 39 and 48, were identified and investigated. Five counts of burglary and an additional count of membership in a criminal organisation have been filed against each of the three individuals.

The Orihuela Court of Instruction issued an order for the detainee’s release, subject to the imposition of precautionary measures.

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The Civil Guard remains committed to the prevention of this form of crime and underscores the significance of public collaboration in the fight against agricultural theft.


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Swift Arrest of Dutch Fugitive in Benidorm

National Police

A 28-year-old Dutch fugitive who was hiding in Benidorm was identified by his evasive conduct. A man in the Marina municipality has been apprehended by National Police officers. The man was the subject of a European Arrest Warrant for Extradition (EAW) issued by the Dutch authorities.

The crime of illegally possessing a firearm in 2024 led to this individual’s nine-month imprisonment. In mid-April, the fugitive fled to Spain after failing to comply with the sentence. The requesting country issued a European Arrest Warrant, with four months remaining.

The fugitive was apprehended by officers from the Benidorm Citizen Security Brigade after they identified him as acting evasively in their presence and verified that he had a European arrest warrant issued.

In January 2024, the detainee was apprehended by the Dutch police while carrying a short firearm without a valid licence. As a result, he was sentenced to three years in pre-sentence prison for the actions he committed.

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Torrevieja Local Police remove e-scooters

The Local Police of Torrevieja have removed 22 e-scooters that were improperly parked on the promenade adjacent to Avenue de la Purísima.
The vehicles were reported for parking in a pedestrian zone in a manner that did not adhere to the current regulations.
Parking is not permitted in pedestrian areas, walkways or footpaths. The passage should also not be obstructed by scooters, which should be parked in approved areas.


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Villajoyosa Medieval Market Saturday 3rd May 2025
May 3, 2025    
All Day
Experience Villajoyosa's lovely coastal village and annual mediaeval market on a day trip. You have time to explore the town's attractions, seafront restaurants and cafes, [...]
Expovans & Trucks at IFA-Fira Alacante
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Events on April 30, 2025
Villajoyosa Medieval Market
30 Apr 25
Benidorm
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