Caught in the act: Pickpocketing crew apprehended in Guadalest
In a significant development, the Guardia Civil has apprehended a Romanian gang accused of using the 'muleta' method to target tourists in the picturesque town of Castell de Guadalest.
The operation, named Huguet, led to the arrest of four individuals: a 43-year-old man and three women aged 31, 34, and 37. The suspects were caught in Castell de Guadalest and on the CV-70 near Polop following a stakeout and roadblocks set up by the Guardia Civil.
The 'muleta' method is a sneaky distraction technique used by pickpockets. Thieves use a piece of clothing, such as a jumper or scarf, to cover part of their arm or body when approaching victims. This covering diverts the victim’s attention, allowing the thief to stealthily slip their hand into bags or pockets to steal valuables like wallets, phones, or jewelry without being noticed.
The Guardia Civil started investigating after several tourists reported being robbed in the picturesque streets of Guadalest. Moments later, some tourists raised the alarm after realizing they had been robbed. The thieves then quickly jumped into a luxury car waiting nearby to make their getaway.
During the court presentation, it was revealed that the gang worked together, with members keeping watch, choosing targets, distracting victims, and making a swift escape. Inside the vehicle, officers found nearly 4,000 euros in cash in various foreign currencies, plus jewellery now under investigation.
The suspects were arrested after targeting visitors in the old town of Castell de Guadalest using the 'muleta' method. They have been charged with belonging to a criminal group and theft.
As a result of the arrests, the 'muleta' thieves have been removed from the streets of Guadalest, making it a safer place for tourists to visit. The investigation into the 'muleta' gang is ongoing, with the possibility of more complaints coming in.
The suspects were released with restrictions, including bans from entering Guadalest or leaving Spain, handing over their passports, and mandatory check-ins every two weeks.
- The arrest of a Romanian gang in Castell de Guadalest, under the operation Huguet, has become a significant general-news topic, as they were accused of using the 'muleta' method to commit crime-and-justice offenses against tourists.
- The Guardia Civil's successful efforts in apprehending the 'muleta' thieves have not only brought the case to the forefront of politics discussions but also made the town of Castell de Guadalest a safer destination for tourists, offering hope for mitigating general-news incidents related to crime-and-justice.
