Police authorities in Alicante have arrested a 50-year-old Moroccan man as part of an ongoing effort to curb a wave of thefts across the city. The suspect, now in custody at the Alicante Central District Police Station, faces multiple charges tied to thefts that targeted busy areas and establishments. Spanish law enforcement confirms there are nine verified cases linked to the individual in the city center, with more under review by investigators.
The investigation began with the arrest of the suspect by the Response Operational Group (GOR) at the Alicante Central Police Station. Investigators were alerted by the Intelligent Command and Control Coordination Center to a central hotel where a bag had been stolen from a city cafeteria. The operation involved hotel staff who had previously identified the suspect and helped detain him. After detainment, the individual was brought to police headquarters to complete formal identification required for the case documentation and court proceedings. The National Police Judicial Police later attributed eight additional thefts to the suspect, expanding the scope of the investigation.
In parallel, the Judicial Police Operational Group of the Alicante Central District conducted rapid verifications and cross-checks of the complaints tied to hotel thefts and similar businesses in the city center. Security footage reviewed by investigators revealed a man matching the suspect’s appearance, reinforcing the connection to multiple incidents. The Police confirmed that eight more thefts were attributed to the same person, all characterized by the removal of personal belongings during moments of neglect within public institutions, often during peak hours to avoid detection.
Recovered items included bags, high-end mobile devices, sunglasses, eyewear, cash, documents, sets of keys, and other valuables commonly carried by travelers and locals alike. The police highlighted that the damage extended beyond financial loss, as many victims were tourists left without documentation in a foreign country, complicating their return or stay in Spain. Such consequences underscore the wider impact on individuals who rely on secure access to personal documentation while abroad.
modus operandi
Authorities describe the method as sophisticated and consistent with a professional approach. The suspect dressed to blend in as a tourist, a tactic that minimized suspicion in a bustling city like Alicante. Video analyses demonstrated a natural ease in approaching institutions and staff, often using a friendly greeting to put bystanders at ease. The thefts typically occurred when victims were distracted by meals or shopping, moments when they appeared most vulnerable. A common tactic involved a distractor object, known in police jargon as a crutch, used to conceal the maneuver that enabled the theft of another person’s property.
Overall, investigators note a pattern of extensive travel and repeated offenses across various regions of the country. The suspect had a long record, with more than 100 prior engagements and about 70 confirmed thefts. Law enforcement also observed that the thief kept a rotating set of disguise items such as clothing, hats, and glasses to avoid recognition after each incident, complicating efforts to trace the perpetrator across different jurisdictions.
The offender was ultimately taken to the Alicante Guard Training Court for processing. The Foreign Tourist Assistance Service (SATE) was activated to support victims who require assistance in their language. SATE helps with documentation issues, such as credit card cancellations, document replacements, embassies and consulates communication, and locating family members, ensuring victims can navigate the aftermath of the incidents with appropriate support.
The cooperation between the Response Operational Group and the Judicial Police Operations continued to yield results, with rapid verifications strengthening the evidence in the ongoing investigation. This coordinated approach demonstrates the authorities’ commitment to reducing crime in high-traffic areas and protecting residents and visitors alike from predatory thefts that target tourists and locals in busy city centers.
For those traveling to Alicante or other parts of Spain, officials remind the public to stay mindful of belongings in crowded spaces and to report suspicious activity promptly. The investigation underlines how security cameras, witness statements, and timely police intervention can suppress criminal networks and prevent further losses for victims and the broader community.