The mischief of criminals often pushes drivers involved in accidents to step out and offer help, a pattern detected by authorities in Alicante. One recent case involved a thief who staged a crash on a bicycle, catching a driver off guard and stealing a high quality watch valued at about 7,000 euros when the motorist approached to assist. The 24 year old suspect, identified as a resident with prior police records, was apprehended by officers from the Northern Regional Police Station on the same day, and later detained for violent robbery when the case reached the courthouse.
The incidents unfolded in a neighborhood within the Northern District of Alicante. The cyclist chose a street where he could observe the driver and appeared to be struck by a vehicle he had marked beforehand, all while keeping the driver under the impression that the accident was legitimate. The driver, unaware of the deception, exited the car to provide aid, and at that precise moment the assailant seized the victim’s high value timepiece and vanished from the scene, leaving the driver shocked and without the watch.
After the incident, the thief fled, and authorities soon obtained a description and other pertinent details that allowed them to focus their inquiry quickly. Law enforcement personnel from the Alicante Northern Regional Police Station began an active investigation, and once the complaint was filed, they proceeded to locate the suspect and arrest him on the same day as the events.
The investigation proceeded with diligence, and investigators were able to identify the author and secure an arrest on the day of the incident. The rapid collection of evidence and timely interviews contributed to a strong case against the suspect, highlighting the importance of swift police response in street crime scenarios.
An additional item linked to the thief’s activity was a mobile phone that was reported as stolen. After securing the device and conducting the necessary arrangements, authorities located the rightful owner and returned the terminal. The phone owner told officers that the detainee had stolen the device days earlier, while the suspect was in a hospital tram station, reinforcing the pattern of opportunistic theft tied to busy urban hubs.
The detainee was held at the Alicante Northern District Police Station II, where investigators continued to piece together related threads of the case. The National Police have issued warnings about the rise of this kind of crime, noting how multiple perpetrators often coordinate distractions to execute thefts. In many cases, each participant plays a specific role during the operation to reduce the risk of detection.
One described technique involves a distraction dubbed the prick method. A driver is signaled by a simulated vehicle problem, such as a flat tire, and while the driver checks the issue, the criminals seize valuables before the victim can react. This approach has appeared repeatedly in reports and underscores the need for drivers to stay vigilant and assess risk before stepping away from their vehicle.
A second tactic known as the sowing method targets people near or inside banking areas. After a victim withdraws a substantial amount of cash, the perpetrators shadow them and, when the opportunity arises, create a distraction by dropping money on the ground or creating a situation that appears convenient to pick up. The criminals then approach under the pretext of recovering the fallen money, using force or intimidation if the victim resists, and escape quickly.
The police stress that criminals do not hesitate to escalate violence if a victim resists. Street crime of this kind thrives on perception and timing, exploiting the momentary lapse in a civilian’s focus. Whatever the method, the common thread is manipulation of ordinary moments into opportunities for theft, with the goal of rapid getaway and minimal risk of pursuit. Community awareness and careful observation remain essential tools in preventing these incidents, alongside consistent police patrols and rapid response when a crime is reported.