By Euro Weekly News Media • Published: 21 Dec 2017 • 8:09
ARRESTED: Gang used 'hugging' method to distract victims - file photograph
POLICE have arrested two Romanians in Marbella who were using ‘hugging’ or ‘affectionate’ theft methods.
Officers swooped on the two when they tried to steal a high-end watch from an elderly man in San Pedro de Alcantara.
The man and woman, aged 33 and 24, are believed to belong to a criminal network of Romanian origin.
Women would for approaching potential victims – usually elderly people – and, after pretending to know them or asking them for a favour, would take advantage of the opportunity to steal their valuables.
National Police made the arrests in a shopping centre parking area in San Pedro de Alcantara when they saw a woman go to the car of an elderly man. While engaging in a conversation, she grabbed his watch and tried to steal it.
Officers arrested the pair and recovered the car that was used to transport the thieves and other effects including €750 euros in cash and two phones.
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