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Alejandro Hernández
Torrevieja
Miércoles, 8 de enero 2025, 11:50
The National Police have dismantled an organised group that allegedly stole money and valuable jewellery from elderly individuals in Torrevieja using persuasion and emotional deception techniques, a method known as the 'tocomocho'. The five arrested, three men and two women aged between 25 and 78 years - all Spanish nationals - have prior records for similar offences, according to investigative sources.
During the searches, €12,320 in cash, numerous pieces of jewellery, and multiple lottery tickets were recovered. Three of the suspects were brought before the court, while investigations remain open to clarify other potential crimes related to this group.
The investigation began after complaints were filed by two elderly victims, who reported being deceived by a group of individuals using persuasion and emotional deception techniques to steal money and valuable jewellery.
The first victim, aged 77, recounted that a woman around 40 years old approached her outside a store, showing her a garbage bag supposedly filled with money. Subsequently, another woman aged 75 and her 58-year-old son joined, offering their car for any necessary errands.
The victim was convinced to hand over money and jewellery to build trust for safeguarding the supposed money in the bag. After withdrawing €3,000 from the bank and handing over several pieces of jewellery, she was abandoned at a corner with the bag, which turned out to contain newspaper clippings.
In another incident, a woman with an alleged disability approached the victim on the street, asking for a non-existent address. With the help of an accomplice and a driver posing as the second woman's son, they convinced the victim to hand over €3,000 and her jewellery under the pretext of safeguarding a package full of bills carried by the disabled girl. The money was withdrawn after accompanying the elderly woman to the bank in a vehicle. Upon opening the received package, the victim also found newspaper clippings.
Following the complaints, the National Police launched an investigation that identified both the perpetrators and the vehicle used in the incidents. Officers set up a surveillance operation that led to the suspects' capture while they were driving through an area frequented by elderly people, suggesting they intended to commit another scam. The arrests were made in Torrevieja as the criminals returned to their residence.
During the searches conducted, €12,320 in cash, numerous pieces of jewellery, and multiple lottery tickets were seized. The two victims recognised the stolen items as their property and took possession of them.
The well-known 'tocomocho' scam is used to exploit the goodwill of elderly individuals. Typically, the perpetrators pretend to have a winning lottery ticket or a significant amount of money they cannot manage, asking the victim for "help" to exchange or safeguard it in return for personal belongings or money.
The National Police wish to use this intervention to highlight the importance of prevention and public education against such crimes, especially aimed at protecting the elderly, a particularly vulnerable group. Additionally, they offer recommendations to prevent such scams.
Be wary of strangers: Do not accept requests for help or money exchanges from people you do not know, especially if it seems like a "unique opportunity".
Consult with family or friends: If you receive a strange proposal, share it with someone you trust before acting.
Avoid handing over valuables: Never give jewellery, money, or other belongings to strangers under any pretext.
Report suspicious behaviour: In any situation that seems unusual, go to a police station or call 091 to report it.
Educate your elders: Explain these techniques to your elderly family and friends so they can identify and avoid them.
The Police remind us that citizen collaboration is key to detecting and preventing such crimes. Anyone witnessing suspicious behaviour can report it anonymously and confidentially on the official website www.policia.es or at any police station.
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