A daring theft in broad daylight was stopped in Santa Pola when a man tried to steal from a cyclist using the notorious “cogotero” method — a distraction technique aimed at tricking victims into handing over valuables.
The incident took place on October 22, 2025, when a 29-year-old suspect approached a man riding his bike, pretending to help fix a fake puncture. While distracting the victim, he and two accomplices scanned for high-value items, including the cyclist’s expensive watch.
Fortunately, an off-duty Civil Guard officer spotted the scene and moved in. When the trio tried to flee, the officer managed to detain the main suspect, preventing the theft from being completed. The other two accomplices got away, but authorities are actively hunting them.
The arrested man has a record of similar thefts and now faces attempted theft charges. Authorities reminded the public that these crimes often target vulnerable individuals, tourists, or anyone alone, exploiting confusion to grab valuables before the victim can react.
The Civil Guard emphasized the importance of citizen vigilance. Witnesses are urged to call 062 immediately if they see suspicious activity and provide detailed descriptions to help catch offenders.
