A 29-year-old individual was taken into custody by police units focused on combating thefts, including a notorious method known as the “loving hug” or “lovely stealing.” In Alicante, authorities exercised eleven search and arrest warrants issued by multiple courts across five provinces over a five-year span, with additional officers reporting more burglary cases under investigation. The detainee, a Romanian national, was held for questioning but released on bail while awaiting trial after being transferred to the court on duty.
The fugitive has used at least three different identities and had been detained on numerous prior occasions, signaling a persistent pattern of avoidance and evasion of justice. Law enforcement from the Alicante Provincial Judicial Police Brigade tracked the suspect, who was linked to offenses in Sagunto, Santander, Valencia, Fuengirola, Marbella, Cádiz, Vélez-Málaga, and Manacor. Allegations relate to property crimes occurring in 2018, 2019, and 2020, and several warrants in the National Police database reflect the breadth of the alleged criminal activity across cities.
In addition, officers have documented arrest warrants in the national system for robberies connected to various urban locations.
Old thefts
Most of the victims affected by the so‑called “compassionate thefts” were seniors from whom jewelry was stolen. The crime pattern, centered on approaching older individuals with a hug, uses the moment of contact to snatch valuables. The tactic has drawn scrutiny from law enforcement as a deceptive ploy that exploits trust and physical warmth to gain access to personal possessions.
National Police authorities urge vigilance among potential targets and communities alike to prevent such incidents and other offenses. Throughout Spain, interviews and outreach are carried out in associations and centers for the elderly as part of a national security program that emphasizes community engagement and public awareness. These prevention efforts are coordinated by various citizen participation offices, with activities designed to help older adults recognize risk indicators and report suspicious behavior promptly.
Authorities remind the public that reports and guidance on personal safety can be sought through official channels and community programs. The overarching goal is to reduce vulnerability among seniors and reinforce protective measures in everyday interactions, especially in public and semi-public spaces where trusted gestures can be exploited to commit theft.
In the ongoing effort to address these crimes, police and municipal safety bodies collaborate to share best practices, provide training for caregivers and family members, and implement practical steps that empower elderly communities to safeguard their property. The focus remains on prevention, rapid response, and accountability for those who perpetrate thefts under the guise of kindness or affection. [National Police]