A recent case in Alicante involves five youths, aged between 12 and 13, who are suspected of carrying out at least three robberies by using intimidation against several young people in broad daylight last Tuesday in the city. Authorities report the incident unfolded in public spaces, drawing immediate attention from local residents and police squads alike.
The alleged perpetrators were armed with a razor and knives. Under current laws, they cannot be detained or prosecuted in the same way as older offenders, which complicates swift action for both the victims and the wider community. Legal authorities note that at their ages, these minors are not eligible for detention under existing jurisdictional rules, a reality that has raised concerns among residents about public safety and youth crime prevention.
The incidents occurred in a busy neighborhood area near Saint Blaise and the Tossal district, where several civilians were targeted during the daylight hours. Reports describe one individual wielding a knife roughly 15 centimeters in length and another using a blade to threaten victims, creating a tense atmosphere for those nearby and leaving some residents feeling unsettled about the risk to everyday activities.
Mobile phones
Following the robberies, investigators recovered items including mobile phones, wallets, and scooters. The group reportedly used the fear generated by the knives to compel victims to unlock their devices so the criminals could claim the phones on the spot, illustrating a troubling pattern of intimidation and coercion in these street-level thefts.
The case prompted a coordinated response from the Alicante Central Regional Police Station and the Citizens Security Brigade. Officers issued warnings to patrols about any signs of this minors’ group operating on the city streets, emphasizing vigilance and rapid reporting by residents. After three intimidation-based robberies on Tuesday, no further incidents were recorded in the immediate period, though authorities stressed the importance of ongoing monitoring and community cooperation to prevent future crimes by young offenders.
Experts note that the combination of daylight operations, coercive tactics, and the ages of the suspects points to broader discussions about youth crime, prevention, and the role of social environments in steering at-risk youths away from illegal activity. Local policymakers have been urged to review available programs that address early signs of delinquency and to reinforce collaboration with schools, families, and social services to reduce the likelihood of repeat offenses. In the meantime, residents are advised to remain alert, report suspicious behavior promptly, and support victims who may still be processing the traumatic impact of these events. This incident serves as a reminder that public safety relies on a community-wide effort to safeguard streets during peak hours and to ensure that minors receive appropriate guidance and intervention when troubling behaviors emerge.