The Guardia Civil in Torrevieja has arrested two young men, aged 19 and 21, who have been suspected of 13 snatch robberies of jewellery carried out between September and November. They are alleged to have targeted particularly vulnerable people, using sudden, violent tugs to remove gold chains and other items before fleeing.

The inquiry began after officers detected a rise in violent street robberies with an identical pattern. The pair are said to have acted in coordination, with one watching while the other committed the snatch; on one day they reportedly carried out up to four offences. They were first arrested in October, released after appearing before a judge, then re-arrested on 6 November and linked to a further five robberies; one suspect has been remanded in custody.

Investigators say the operation has clarified 13 offences and dismantled the duo’s activity. The stolen items were mainly gold chains, which were sold quickly for cash. The Guardia Civil in Torrevieja has identified 23 people connected to 56 similar offences in recent months, and several recovered pieces have been returned to their owners.

The force has issued safety advice: keep bags and valuables on the inner side of the pavement, avoid displaying eye-catching jewellery in crowded or narrow areas, walk in well-lit, busy streets and report suspicious behaviour immediately to 062 or 112. The Guardia Civil has underlined that public cooperation is essential to protect vulnerable people and to identify offenders.