Two detainees were ordered to begin prison terms this Monday after authorities connected them to a robbery that targeted a refugee family from Ukraine near San Juan Beach. The suspects were held on charges of theft and drug smuggling as police seized what could amount to 130 grams of marijuana and 111 grams of glass during the operation. The proceeds, including cash and other items, have been recovered by the authorities.
In the courtroom, prosecutors requested a custodial sentence, emphasizing the vulnerability of the victims. The court granted the request, taking into account the impact of the crime on the family and the need to ensure public safety as the investigation progressed.
The robbery occurred in the early afternoon on Santander Street when a Ukrainian citizen was waiting for his wife and child to exit a business. One of the individuals now in custody approached under the pretext of requesting directions. While this contact was made, another accomplice acted quickly by slipping the car door open and removing a fanny pack that contained the family’s savings of 6,200 dollars and 4,200 euros, as well as their passports, cell phone, and credit cards. The incident was reported to the National Police, who immediately assigned the Northern District Police Station Investigation Group to handle the case.
Investigators pursued leads through the evening and into the following day, conducting searches that led to the arrest of the suspects on the same Friday. A subsequent search of the suspects’ residence yielded the alleged drugs. Police recovered the stolen money and other items, while the Scientific Police Brigade collected fingerprints from the victims’ vehicle to aid the inquiry. The rapid response by authorities is credited with preventing further harm and swiftly addressing the breach of the family’s security during a fragile moment.
Both detainees are Algerian nationals with prior criminal records. One had recently been released from prison earlier in the year, and the other had a prior sentence that was suspended, according to forensic sources. The case has prompted calls for continued scrutiny of street-level robberies that target vulnerable residents and tourists, underscoring the importance of rapid police response and robust investigative work [Citation: Alicante Police Department press materials].
As the investigation continues, authorities note that the seized items, including the cash and personal documents, are being handled as evidence while the recovered property is redistributed to the rightful owners. The public is reminded to remain vigilant in crowded areas and to report any suspicious activity to local law enforcement. The authorities also reiterated the need for heightened awareness among visitors and residents about personal belongings in busy commercial districts and at beaches where crowds can attract opportunistic thefts [Citation: Regional Law Enforcement Agency notes].