Spanish police have arrested a couple suspected of carrying out a series of 'love hug' robberies targeting elderly people across the Costa Blanca and Valencia regions. The suspects, aged 26 and 30, allegedly approached victims with hugs and kisses as if they knew them, then stole bags, jewellery and wallets. If victims resisted, the pair reportedly turned to violence.
The Policia Nacional stated that the couple committed up to 10 thefts in Alicante alone, with a further three in the Valencia area between February and June this year. They operated from a base in Santa Coloma de Gramanet, Barcelona, making special trips to find victims. A police raid on their property recovered jewellery, cash and other items worth over €1,000 (£882). Some jewellery did not match crime reports, suggesting involvement in unrecorded robberies.
This type of crime has been on the rise across Spain. In a separate incident in December 2024, two women aged 29 and 26 were arrested while attempting to steal a 70-year-old man's gold chain. Instead of feigning familiarity, they offered him sex before trying to take the jewellery. Police intervened and prevented the theft. One of the detainees had a previous record for similar crimes.
In 2023, a 24-year-old woman was arrested for using the same tactic to steal a €25,000 (£22,067) watch from a victim. The Policia Nacional continues to investigate and urges elderly people to be cautious of overly affectionate strangers.
