In Alicante, police forces announced the arrest of 14 youths, including two minors, in connection with a spree of violent robberies on public streets and on the TRAM system. The operation targeted a dispersed group whose actions left victims injured and shaken as they sought medical care after encounters marked by force and intimidation. The arrests followed a string of complaints from individuals who reported multiple violent incidents, prompting a coordinated response from local law enforcement. [Citation: Alicante Police]
The investigation, conducted by officers from the Northern District Police Station II and its Investigation Group, revealed that the group operated with little regard for victims, aiming to steal mobile devices and other valuables. The perpetrators used various tactics to commit crimes, including strategies to confuse or overwhelm victims and ensure successful thefts. [Citation: Alicante Police]
One notable method involved the so-called Ronaldinho tactic, where offenders crowded around a person and pretended to dribble before making contact to distract attention and steal. On other occasions, they threatened victims with bladed weapons to induce fear and compliance. [Citation: Alicante Police]
More than simple opportunistic thefts, the group sometimes formed small teams, engaging victims with rehearsed ruses such as claims of martial arts training before a sensational attack that allowed the theft of a hat or a golden chain when the moment seemed right. [Citation: Alicante Police]
attacks
When other methods failed, the assailants escalated to extreme violence to complete the robbery and remove the evidence. Several crimes were committed inside the TRAM network or at near stops while victims used their mobile phones. Offenders selected targets who had their devices out and, as doors opened, snatched phones with a forceful pull before fleeing. [Citation: Alicante Police]
There were also reports of a pattern where attackers followed victims to vulnerable areas, using violence or intimidation to secure the robbery. Investigators highlighted the aggression of one detainee who wounded a victim, resulting in the loss of several teeth during a brutal assault. This individual, along with four others, was described as part of a highly active criminal organization responsible for numerous violent robberies. [Citation: Alicante Police]
eight inquiries
After two months of ongoing police operations, authorities initiated a total of eight line investigations. The 14 detainees were charged with multiple offenses including violent robbery, injuries, and theft. Five individuals are also accused of belonging to a criminal organization. [Citation: Alicante Police]
Two of the detainees, aged 18 to 23, along with others aged 12 and 18 to 23, were reported as Algerian, Moroccan and Spanish nationals and were placed at the disposal of the Alicante duty court, which authorized detention for six days. Meanwhile, two minors were turned over to the Alicante Minor Prosecutor’s Office for appropriate proceedings. [Citation: Alicante Police]