Police in Benidorm have arrested a 50-year-old Icelandic man on suspicion of fraud after he allegedly failed to pay hotel bills totalling around £1,300 (€1,500) during a 10-day stay in the Spanish resort.
The local police said the man reportedly ate and slept at various hospitality venues without paying, and they had dealt with him at several locations before making the arrest. A police spokesperson confirmed the arrest to the Spanish news agency EFE, though it is not yet known how many venues were involved.
Police Joke About the Incident
Announcing the arrest on Instagram, the Local Police service quipped that if this was someone’s idea of a holiday in Benidorm, they would be in for a very different experience. The post read: “He was travelling light – both in terms of luggage and his wallet. A 50-year-old man, in Benidorm for 10 days, eating and sleeping without paying at venues around the city. But the Benidorm police turned up, and we’ve handed him the bill: arrested for an 'alleged' offence of fraud. If this is your idea of a holiday in Benidorm, we’re pleased to announce a special package with accommodation included.”
Separate Scam Warning for Tourists
Separately, a long-time Benidorm resident has warned visitors about a new scam targeting women. Michelle Baker, who has lived in the city for 42 years and previously ran a newspaper for British expats, shared advice on Facebook. She said that while Benidorm is statistically very safe, opportunists exist. The scam involves a couple asking a woman to take a photo, then requesting she join them in a selfie. “Once up close they’ll deftly grab your goodies, purse, phone, watch and jewellery and you won’t feel a thing,” she warned.
