The Guardia Civil has shed light on two violent robberies and one theft by way of force, committed in the towns of Rafal, Granja de Rocamora, and Bigastro, located in the Vega Baja region of Alicante. Investigations began in May twenty twenty-five, after a woman reported that a man violently snatched a gold necklace from her while she was walking in Rafal, resulting in injuries. In June, a similar incident was reported in Granja de Rocamora, where another woman narrowly escaped theft thanks to her cries for help, although she too sustained injuries.

All incidents occurred during daylight hours, with the suspect specifically targeting elderly women wearing gold jewellery. Descriptions of the perpetrator matched across all reports, prompting the main investigation unit in Callosa de Segura to launch Operation Passatben. Following meticulous analysis of the suspect’s modus operandi and evidence collected, officials determined that the same individual was responsible for all three incidents.

Thanks to witness recordings and collaboration with Guardia Civil units from Beniel and Jacarilla, the suspect, who was identified as living in Beniel, was arrested on the first of August twenty twenty-five for unrelated charges. Authorities acted quickly to connect the suspect with the thefts, and he has since been placed in provisional custody by the Murcia Judicial Court.

The operation remains ongoing, and authorities do not rule out the possibility of uncovering additional victims. The Guardia Civil expresses its gratitude for public cooperation and the collaboration of various units that made these investigations successful.