Caught sock-handed! Burglars in Spain try to avoid leaving fingerprints in bizarre bar break-in

It was supposed to be a straightforward break-in, but two alleged burglars in Spain appear to have taken an unusual approach to avoiding detection.

The pair were caught hiding behind the bar of a hospitality business in Campo de Criptana, in Ciudad Real province, after allegedly breaking into the premises during the night.

And when Guardia Civil officers arrived, they discovered one of the suspects had apparently come prepared for fingerprints, covering his hands with socks.

Hiding behind the bar

Police were alerted after reports that two people had entered the establishment. When officers arrived, they found that the glass in the entrance door had been smashed.

Inside, the two suspects were allegedly crouched behind the bar, where they were found with bags containing products from the premises.

Officers also discovered several mobile phones, cash and a large screwdriver.

The bizarre detail quickly stood out: one of the suspects had pulled socks over his hands in an apparent attempt to prevent leaving fingerprints at the scene.

The plan falls apart

Despite the apparent attempt to conceal fingerprints, the pair were caught inside the premises before they could make their escape.

The Guardia Civil said the arrests were connected to two separate offences involving forced entry in Campo de Criptana.

Both suspects were subsequently handed over to the court in Alcázar de San Juan. The court ordered that both be remanded in custody.

A very unusual crime scene

Using clothing to try to avoid leaving fingerprints is hardly a foolproof plan, particularly when suspects are discovered hiding inside the premises they are accused of breaking into.

In this case, officers appear to have arrived while the alleged burglars were still inside, finding them behind the bar alongside items believed to have been taken from the business.

For the two alleged burglars, the attempt to keep their fingerprints off the scene ended with both being arrested and sent to prison pending the next stage of the legal proceedings.