Mijas police nab two men driving stolen car from a year ago in routine stop

Officers from the local police in Mijas stopped a suspicious car during one of their programmed random roadside security checks on May 4 in Camino de Campanales, Las Lagunas.

Routine patrol uncovers year-old theft

Local police spotted unusual behaviour from the vehicle and signalled it to pull over. Identification checks on the driver and passenger revealed the car had been reported stolen in 2025.

Authorities read them their rights before placing both under arrest on suspicion of theft. Personnel transferred the pair to Guardia Civil custody ahead of a court appearance.

This kind of immediate intervention shows ongoing efforts by Mijas authorities to tackle vehicle-related offences through regular roadside controls, something that has become a familiar sight over the last year. The intensified checks have been part of Mayor Ana Mata’s pledge to not allow criminal elements to creep into Mijas from surrounding areas.

Vehicle theft numbers hold steady locally

Mijas recorded 54 vehicle thefts in the period covered by recent official figures, showing no increase from the previous year. Overall crime in the municipality fell by around 10 per cent through 2025, a rare positive result for the Costa del Sol. Local police carried out 103 arrests in the first four months of 2025, a rise of 41 per cent compared with the same period in 2024. Many operations target stolen cars used in other crimes.

Mijas outperforms neighbours on crime metrics

Several nearby towns experienced rises in recorded offences while Mijas posted declines in categories including burglaries and robberies. Vehicle theft is still a serious pending issue throughout Malaga Province, yet proactive patrols are helping Mijas keep figures stable. Data from the Ministry of the Interior confirm fewer incidents affecting daily life here than in areas such as Marbella or Fuengirola, where property crime pressures often prove higher.

Increased vigilance delivers results

Frequent checkpoints and coordination with Guardia Civil contribute to recoveries and arrests. Residents benefit from this approach, which focuses resources on visible policing and quick response. Drivers can reduce risks by fitting additional security devices and parking in well-lit zones.

Cases like the May 4 stop show how consistent enforcement limits opportunities for thieves. Mijas continues to show that targeted action produces measurable improvements even as regional challenges remain.