With the arrival of thousands of tourists to the area, there has been an upsurge in ‘Hugger Mugger’ operating locally in recent weeks.
Criminals are mugging people, both in broad daylight and on nights out, in many of the Orihuela Costa’s popular hospitality areas.
The groups have been nicknamed “hugger muggers” as their approaches to their victims are usually good humoured and friendly, as they move in to clasp them in hugs. But as they do so they are actually feeling in their pockets and taking wallets, jewellery and other valuables.
Recent confrontations in La Florida, however, have not been quite so cordial with many approaches being much more forceful, particularly where the victims are elderly women. Just this week there have been 3 such incidents where jewellery, phones and bags were snatched, with the perpetrators completely fearless of their victims.
Another similar incident involving a bag snatch took place on Aguamarina beach on Thursday morning, with the aggressor running off to an awaiting car.
The photograph shows one such “Hugger Mugger’ who assaulted and stole her elderly victims’ bag in La Florida earlier this week. Despite the victim shouting out to local residents the offender was much too strong for her victim, as she snatched the bag and ran off before anyone could respond.
If you recognise this woman or if you fall prey to a similar incident you should call the Local Police or Guardia Civil straight away on the 112 emergency number.
