Police issue warning after thefts from British expats on Costa Blanca

A CRIME warning has been issued after expensive mobile phones and jewellery were stolen from British expatriates in Orihuela Costa on the Costa Blanca.

Costa Blanca police have also held a gang of teenage burglars after a 70-year-old pensioner was injured when confronting intruders.

Police tracked the group using the Find My iPhone mobile application and found them hiding in undergrowth near the property

They are believed to have committed approximately 15 similar break-ins.

The thieves focused on elderly British residents, waiting for homes to become vacant before stealing money, mobile phones, watches and other valuables.

All four are Spanish including two minors.

Police claim the group took advantage of the fact that British people tend to eat their evening meal, often in restaurants, earlier than most Spaniards allowing them to enter empty houses in the late afternoon.