An unexpected hug, then valuables disappear: 85 reports across Almería

It begins with an unusually friendly stranger and can be over before someone realises something has even happened. The tactic has reached coastal resorts and inland towns throughout the province, while a specialist Guardia Civil investigation remains active.

The greeting designed to lower a victim’s guard

The approach is deliberately supposed to be quite ordinary and jarring at the same time. A stranger may pretend to recognise the person, ask for directions, seek a signature for a supposed cause or offer an enthusiastic thank-you after a brief conversation.

Then comes the theft. By moving in for a hug, taking an arm or otherwise invading personal space, the offender creates enough distraction to remove a necklace, watch, phone, wallet or other valuables. Many victims do not realise anything has been taken until it’s too late.

Guardia Civil says the people selected are commonly older or especially vulnerable, including those whose physical or cognitive health may make it harder to react. In some cases, what starts as a distraction theft can escalate quickly into violence or intimidation.

Cases stretch across 17 Almería municipalities

A total of 85 incidents involving the “hug method” had been reported in Almería province during 2026 when the figures were released on Saturday July 25. Officers said 33 offences had been cleared, comprising 23 thefts and 10 robberies involving violence or intimidation.

The cleared offences cover a wide geographic spread: Roquetas de Mar, Garrucha, Cuevas del Almanzora, Vera, Albox, Cantoria, Olula del Río, Tíjola, Pulpí, Vélez-Blanco, Turre, Carboneras, Dalías, El Ejido, Huércal de Almería, Serón and Chirivel.

That makes the pattern much more than a simple one trick pony trying their luck at a busy resort or shopping area, covering coastal communities, the Almanzora Valley and inland towns across the province.

A specialist team has cleared 22 cases since April

Almería’s Guardia Civil command created a joint investigation team and a dedicated operation in April as reports increased. Police attribute 22 of the 33 cleared offences to work carried out since that response began.

Investigators have identified 31 people allegedly connected with the incidents. Identification does not mean all 31 have been arrested or convicted. Guardia Civil said many have records for similar offences, while some were already wanted under court orders. The operation still remains active, as the investigations are continuing and further arrests have not been ruled out.

The warning signs and what to do next

Police advice begins with distance. An unexpectedly affectionate stranger should not be allowed to move close enough to make physical contact, however harmless the excuse appears. Visible jewellery and expensive watches can also attract attention, particularly when someone is walking alone. Extra care is also advised near cash machines, shopping centres and the entrances to homes. Sexual propositions may also be used to embarrass or confuse a target into dropping their guard.

Anyone targeted should call the Guardia Civil on 062 or the emergency service on 112. Officers recommend noting clothing, physical features, the direction of escape and any vehicle registration, then making a report even when the value taken appears small. Those details can help connect offences committed in different towns.