National Police have arrested three men aged 25, 41, and 75 for their suspected involvement in a theft committed at Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport. According to the investigation, the arrested individuals took advantage of a moment of distraction by the victim, who was carrying out procedures at the Tax Free machines, to steal their wallet. Inside, it contained personal documentation, bank cards, and cash from various countries. After committing the theft, the three suspects left the airport aboard a vehicle.
They had already been arrested the following day for another theft. Investigations allowed officers to identify the alleged perpetrators and confirm that the same individuals had been arrested the day after the events by officers from the Provincial Police Station of Alicante. On that occasion, they were caught allegedly stealing items of clothing from a commercial establishment, which allowed investigators to make progress in identifying them and linking them to the theft committed at the airport.
They travelled to Spain to commit opportunistic thefts. Police maintain that the three detainees formed part of an organised and itinerant criminal group from another country. According to the investigation, their method of operation consisted of travelling to Spain to commit opportunistic thefts during their stay and subsequently leaving the country with the items obtained. To make identification difficult, they used clothing and other items to partially cover their faces while operating. Finally, officers launched a tracking operation that led to the arrest of the three suspects for their alleged involvement in offenses of theft and membership of a criminal group. The arrested individuals have been placed at the disposal of the duty magistrates’ courts of Elche.
Police alert to thefts in high-density areas. Following the case, the National Police remind the public that airports are particularly sensitive areas for opportunistic thefts due to the concentration of travellers and the moments when they focus their attention on checking in, passing security checks, checking mobile phones, or carrying out other procedures. Among their recommendations are keeping handbags, backpacks, and hand luggage closed and always in sight, avoiding leaving mobile phones, wallets, or documentation on counters, and paying special attention in queues, boarding areas, baggage reclaim areas, and escalators.
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