This technique consists of approaching people in public with the excuse of asking a question or offering something, and, when they say goodbye, stealing something of value from them.
Over the last month, the Almería Civil Guard has detected several cases of theft from elderly people using the affectionate hug method in various tourist areas along the Almería coast. This technique involves approaching people, usually elderly, under the guise of asking for directions, making an offer, or even feigning a confused greeting. After starting a brief conversation, the perpetrators take advantage of the moment of farewell to establish physical contact and discreetly steal valuables such as chains, watches, or bracelets.
The most recent case occurred on the morning of Thursday, the 27th, in the town of Garrucha, Almería. The victim, a 71-year-old man, reported that a young woman between 18 and 20 years old had stolen a gold necklace while he was walking down a downtown street. According to his account, the alleged perpetrator approached him in a friendly manner to ask for directions, and moments later, the man noticed the necklace was missing.
Another case occurred the day before, April 26, around 11:00 a.m. near the Nuestra Señora del Carmen Parish Church in the town of Aguadulce. A young woman approached the victim, claiming to be a physical therapist and stating that she noticed a great deal of tension in his neck. She then began rubbing the area, taking advantage of the opportunity to steal a gold chain.
The victims did not file a complaint until two days after the incident, making it difficult for officers to identify and arrest the perpetrator of the robbery. Despite this, the Civil Guard remains open to investigate the incident, identify the perpetrator, and recover the stolen items.
In order to prevent further cases, the Civil Guard recommends extreme caution and avoiding allowing strangers to approach you too close. If you have been the victim of a crime of this nature, you are advised to immediately contact the Civil Guard by calling 062, providing as much information as possible about the person responsible for the robbery, their possible means of escape, and checking whether any personal belongings are missing.
Greater Security Plan
Citizen safety is a fundamental priority in the daily work of the Civil Guard, with the elderly being a particularly vulnerable group that requires special attention and protection.
The Greater Security Plan, launched by the State Secretariat for Security in 2010, recommends that older adults pay special attention when traveling on public roads:
- On the street, walk on the inside of the sidewalk and place your bag on the wall side. Preferably, use bags with handles or those without a strap.
- Avoid displaying jewelry and other valuables and protect your purse or wallet in large crowds.
- Don’t accept any offer you receive on the street, no matter how advantageous it may seem. It could be a scam.