Thief targeted beauty spots
‘Helpful’ criminal offered visitors advice about local areas
A THIEF targeted cars parked at beauty spots on the Marina Alta coast to steal valuables from vehicles while unsuspecting visitors admired the views.
The 45-year-old Spaniard was said to have ‘helpfully’ shown some people the way to more secluded beaches, coves, viewing platforms and landmarks in Jávea and Benitachell.
The Guardia Civil in Jávea – who brought the one-man crimewave to an end – allege the suspect toured car parks in his own vehicle to identify potential targets.
The police believe he netted €15,000 in cash, stealing valuables such as laptops, cameras and mobile phones, and on a spending spree using stolen bank cards before they were cancelled.
And the thief, said to have a long criminal record, is also alleged
to have stolen ‘a large amount’ of copper wire after raiding homes under construction in the area; said to be worth €15,000.
The man, who lives in Benitachell, was released on bail
after being charged with 21 offences of theft.
The investigation was launched after a spike in reports of thefts from vehicles left in car parks by visitors and the common modus operandi of the crimes.
A Guardia Civil spokesman said: “The suspect, for long periods of time, drove around the area and especially to car parks in places frequented by visitors, without actually parking.
“Once he picked his target, he waited for the occupants to leave their vehicle and walk away. He would break the window of the car and make off with all the valuables left inside.
“On occasions, he actually advised tourists how to get to more remote areas of the two towns – away from the crowds – and would accompany them if necessary.
“As soon as they parked and disappeared from sight; he would break in and steal goods, safe in the knowledge it would not be discovered until he was far away from the scene.”