A YOUNG couple have been arrested in Denia for staging ‘love hug’ robberies in supermarket car parks.
The man, 23, and woman, 24, were part of a travelling gang operating across Spain that targeted elderly victims to steal high-end watches and jewellery.
Their nationalities have not been disclosed by the Policia Nacional.
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A ‘love hug’ robbery involves the perpetrator typically going up to a person to ask for information and then embracing them in a strong body hug as a very affectionate way of showing thanks.
During the hug, they then steal items and run off to a colleague waiting in a near-by car for a quick getaway.
The Policia Nacional said the Denia investigation started after a series of complaints about a wave of ‘love hug’ thefts that broke out at the start of the summer season.
A common link was that they all happened in supermarket car parks or close to stores during mid-morning.
Victims told the police that they were approached by a young woman who duped them before making a quick exit.
Moments later, they noticed that their jewellery or watches had been snatched.
One of the victims had a chain and two gold lockets worth €500 stolen.
Inquiries revealed the duo were part of a crew that regularly travelled between different cities and regions to execute thefts in broad daylight- working in pairs or as a trio.
The couple were located and arrested after a police surveillance and monitoring operation.
The detainees were handed over to a Denia court but its not known whether they were bailed.
Many have been released by courts and given a future appearance date- only to vanish to another part of Spain to continue their criminal activities.
Authorities have warned people to be extremely wary about being approached for information and to be on their guard for a potential theft.
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