Two individuals have been apprehended for engaging in a series of thefts dubbed the “love hug” robbery spree, where elderly victims were targeted and their belongings stolen after receiving affectionate gestures. Spain’s Policia Nacional disclosed the arrest of a 26-year-old and a 30-year-old who traversed through various regions in Costa Blanca and Valencia, employing deceptive tactics to carry out their crimes.
The suspects allegedly approached elderly individuals, pretending to be familiar with them, and initiated hugs or kisses to disarm and eventually steal their bags, jewelry, and wallets. If met with resistance, they resorted to violence. According to reports from the Olive Press, the couple executed approximately 10 thefts in Alicante and three in the Valencia region between February and June this year.
Authorities revealed that the duo operated from a base in Santa Coloma de Gramanet in Barcelona, embarking on targeted trips across Spain to victimize unsuspecting individuals. Upon raiding their property, law enforcement discovered a cache of jewelry, cash, and other items, with the recovered valuables exceeding €1,000 (£882). Investigations suggested potential involvement in unreported thefts, as some items did not match documented crime records.
Instances of love hug crimes have surged in Spain in recent years. In a distinct case, two women aged 29 and 26 were arrested in 2024 while pursuing a similar tactic. Their attempt to steal a gold chain from a 70-year-old man was foiled by the authorities. One of the culprits made a failed attempt to snatch the jewelry in broad daylight, leading to their apprehension. Further scrutiny revealed a history of involvement in comparable offenses by one of the suspects.
Moreover, in a high-profile incident in 2023, a 24-year-old woman was arrested for using the same strategy to rob a victim of a €25,000 (£22,067) watch. The rise in such criminal activities underscores the need for heightened vigilance and security measures to safeguard vulnerable individuals from falling victim to these deceitful tactics.