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ARCHIVED - Gang of thieves using military tactics targeted tourists at Alicante airport
Three men were caught ‘red-handed’ and arrested for theft and other crimes at Alicante-Elche Airport on the Costa Blanca
The National Police have arrested three thieves who allegedly preyed on tourists at Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport using "military tactics" to identify victims, plot their moves and hide their identities.
The detainees, aged between 33 and 49, are believed to be part of an Albanian-Kosovar criminal organisation that loitered around the arrivals area pretending to be travellers. They apparently moved around the airport with backpacks, holdalls, wigs, caps and other accessories to disguise themselves, seeking out vulnerable holidaymakers to steal from.
According to police, they also adopted military tactics to observe the movements of victims, monitor possible police presence and coordinate their own movements.
While one of the suspects distracted the unsuspecting victim, another was in charge of carrying out the theft whilst the third gang member "facilitated the escape", using rental vehicles.
After a lengthy investigation, Elche National Police managed to identify all three men, immediately deploying a police operation inside the passenger arrivals area and in the airport car park. The trio were caught "mixing with passengers", having allegedly picked out a target, and all three were arrested in connection with at least six thefts earlier this week.
A search of the rental car uncovered changes of clothing, wigs and caps.
And in addition to crimes of theft, the detainees have been charged with robbery document forgery and irregular stay in Spain.
IMAGE: Policia Nacional