National Police agents have detained a man in central Alicante suspected of seven handbag thefts of high-end smartphones from terraces of various hospitality venues. The suspect operated as a roaming offender and used a technique known to investigators as the “cane” or crutch method to carry out the robberies, according to statements from the Alicante Police Station.
The inquiry began after a series of reports described multiple mobile phone thefts in several hospitality establishments in Alicante’s city center. The incidents shared similar characteristics in their modus operandi and the physical descriptions of the person believed to be responsible, prompting a focused investigation.
After a thorough review of all the clues gathered by officers, investigators confirmed seven incidents that displayed a common link and were carried out using the method referred to in police slang as the “crutch.”
To trace the suspect, authorities conducted a sequence of field procedures and tests near the locations where the offenses occurred. The investigations yielded results, and because the attacks took place at comparable locations and times, the perimeter around a single individual began to tighten quickly.
Ultimately, officers managed to identify the alleged perpetrator, and a coordinated operation resulted in his arrest. The detainee, a 29-year-old Romanian national with a lengthy criminal history of similar offenses, was placed at the disposal of Alicante’s preliminary court.
Understanding the Modus Operandi
The criminal pattern described as the crutch method involves concealing the hand behind clothing, a newspaper, propaganda, or any other paper or folder to hide the stolen item from the victim’s view. While distracting the victim with a question or a feigned stumble, the suspect quickly exits the scene with a prepared excuse, leveraging the distraction to complete the theft unnoticed.
In these cases, the offender would typically operate across multiple venues within the central district, exploiting routine flows of customers and the cadence of busy service periods. The police highlighted the deliberate choice of similar locations and hours to maximize opportunity while minimizing the chance of immediate detection. The investigations emphasize the importance of situational awareness for both staff and patrons in hospitality environments.
Residents and workers in the area are advised to remain vigilant and report unusual behavior promptly. Security measures at dining and drinking establishments, including staff training on how to recognize distraction tactics and the quick identification of suspicious objects or concealed items, can help reduce vulnerability to this specific method of theft. By maintaining clear sightlines and encouraging witnesses to speak up, communities can deter similar offenses in the future.
Authorities remind the public that sharing information with law enforcement should be done through official channels. Coordination between patrol units and surveillance teams in commercial districts remains a critical component of rapid responses to thefts that hinge on misdirection and mobility. The ongoing case underscores how pattern recognition and timely communication can close gaps in security and speed up the administration of justice, ultimately facilitating the return of stolen property and the accountability of the offender.