Spanish police have issued a warning to tourists visiting Benidorm after a British holidaymaker had his bank cards stolen and used nine times in less than 20 minutes. The theft occurred near a street known as Muggers’ Alley, off Gerona Street, close to the local tourist police station. Three men have been arrested in connection with the incident.
The victim was targeted in the early hours as he returned to his holiday apartment. The thief engaged him in conversation before swiping his wallet from his trouser pocket. The suspect then fled in a high-powered vehicle driven by an accomplice. The victim received notifications on his mobile about the card usage, allowing police to trace the transactions to a bar where one of the suspects worked.
Officers recovered fragments of a bank card at the bar and found receipts matching the victim’s card, along with €2,610 in the till, far exceeding the official daily turnover. The three suspects were arrested on suspicion of theft, fraud, money laundering, and belonging to a criminal gang. They have appeared before a judge, but it is not yet known if they have been remanded in custody.
Police have urged tourists to keep personal belongings secure, especially in crowded areas, and not to keep phones or wallets in back pockets. They advise being wary of strangers with distracting excuses, and to report any theft immediately. The warning comes ahead of the Easter holiday period.
