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Date Published: 23/08/2022

ARCHIVED - Six arrested for stealing high-end watches from tourists in Marbella, Spain

ARCHIVED ARTICLE

Holidaymakers were targeted in the Puerto Banús area of Marbella, Andalucia

<span style='color:#780948'>ARCHIVED</span> - Six arrested for stealing high-end watches from tourists in Marbella, Spain

Police have called time on six suspected watch thieves who preyed on tourists spending a few days in Marbella's plush Puerto Banús area on the Costa del Sol.

The detainees, three men and three women, allegedly stole high-end watches worth more than 37,000 euros using violence in one of the cases, and took advantage of the victims' "carelessness" in another two street thefts, according to police sources.

An investigation began a few months ago following a robbery in Puerto Banús - a popular playground for the rich and famous. Within weeks there were two further complaints from tourists claiming their watches had been stolen, but police initially ruled out a connection due to the differing suspect descriptions given by the victims.

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In the first of the incidents, a holidaymaker reported being approached by a man at the entrance to a music venue in the area. The victim said he had had a few drinks and the thief took advantage of this, swiping an opportunity to steal his watch valued at 15,000 euros.

A second victim said he too was on holiday in Puerto Banús and was cornered by three men who stole his luxury watch before fleeing.

A third victim was approached by three women who offered to help him as he was "somewhat impaired after drinking a quantity of alcohol". However, far from being good Samaritans, the women stole his 22,000-euro watch.

Investigators eventually determined that there were at least three groups specialising in stealing high-end watches in the Puerto Banús area using a number of techniques, and violence where necessary.

They were identified and arrested, charged with three thefts. A seventh person is still under investigation.

Now read: Bus fare discounts in Marbella: Costa del Sol tourist town slashes cost of public transport

Image: marbella.es

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