This report details an incident on a Benidorm beach where a 45-year-old man was detained by the National Police on suspicion of stealing from Italian tourists. The arrest happened after a police officer, who happened to be on vacation in the area, intervened along with several beachgoers who assisted in stopping the suspect when he attempted to flee. The scene unfolded with witnesses and officers coordinating to ensure the suspect could not escape and that the tools of the alleged theft were recovered.
The events took place on June 29 near the lifeguard station along the Benidorm coast. The National Police Service Center received a call reporting that a suspected thief was being detained by bystanders in the vicinity of the rescue craft area. Responding agents of the Citizen Service Group (GAC) from the Benidorm Police Station rushed to the location and found a man held by several witnesses who explained that he had tried to escape while carrying items that did not belong to him.
According to the officers, the on-duty responder who intervened was a National Police officer who, although off duty, was affiliated with the Cantabria Police Station. The officer discreetly observed the individual carrying two beach bags appearing to belong to women and noticed an object that resembled a mobile phone being held close to the suspect’s clothing. This careful observation prompted the officers to approach, confirm their suspicions, and place the man under control as he attempted to flee. A number of witnesses helped in the confrontation and ensured the suspect remained inside the police perimeter until formal proceedings could begin.
Four portfolios
The officers from the Citizens’ Aid Group inspected the bags carried by the detainee and discovered a trove of belongings that did not match the owner. Inside the bags were four wallets containing Italian identity documents, four high-end mobile phones, headphones, three pairs of sunglasses, car keys, and some beach gear. None of these items belonged to the detained man, which led to the formal arrest on suspicion of theft. The discovery confirmed that the suspect was actively involved in the theft of items from tourists on the same stretch of beach.
While the officers were placing the detainee into a patrol vehicle bound for the Benidorm Police Station, four Italian individuals approached the scene stating that their belongings had been taken in the same beach area. The officers presented the seized items to these individuals, who immediately identified them as their own possessions. The recognizing of items on site reinforced the police assessment that multiple thefts had occurred in the same vicinity, and the investigation was expanded to determine the full scope of the incident and identify any further suspects.
Safety advice
In light of the event, local law enforcement shared practical tips for beachgoers to reduce the risk of theft. The guidance emphasizes preparedness and simple precautions that can prevent losses on crowded shorelines:
• Take only what is necessary and keep valuables to a minimum. Do not leave items unattended or in plain sight where passersby can easily access them.
• Use waterproof pouches or protective covers for small devices and valuables. This makes it easier to keep items secure and reduces the chance of accidents or loss when engaging in water activities.
• If an incident occurs, report it promptly to local police using the relevant emergency channels. Quick reporting helps law enforcement respond and recover belongings for victims as soon as possible.
• Group awareness matters. Staying with trusted companions and designating a single person to monitor belongings when swimming or playing near the water can deter opportunistic thefts and ensure a faster, coordinated response in case anything goes missing.