Costa News Spain Breaking News | English News in Spain.
A pickpocketing technique that dates back to the old days has been used in Malaga on cruise ship passengers. This tactic has been used by countless tourists over the years.
Officers from the Policia Nacional began an investigation after receiving multiple reports of thefts that occurred in the historical centre. All the reports described a similar approach by the perpetrator.
The 28-yearold suspect would approach victims with an innocent smile, and pretended to do a fake football-style dribble.
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Police sources, cited by SUR newspaper, explained this ‘Ronaldinho’ move created a moment of surprise and confusion that allowed the alleged thief to make slight physical contact with the target.
As the suspect was distracted by the movements, he would steal valuables such phones and wallets without being noticed.
This is a technique that has been used for years in Spain’s top tourist destinations, earning Barcelona a bad reputation.
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It was a successful investigation that led to the suspect’s arrest. The police state that he was previously arrested for crimes involving property.
During the arrest of the suspect, police recovered a stolen mobile phone, as well as personal documents from another victim.
The man is now facing charges of four counts of theft, and one count each of mugging.
