Bank robbery couple arrested

NATIONAL Police have arrested a Spanish couple after a spate of bank robberies.

The man and woman, aged 29 and 33, are alleged to have carried out seven robberies in Almeria, stealing a total of €10,700. The wife would enter a bank posing as a customer before the husband would storm in and rob the bank, often using violence.

Investigations began in May after the couple assaulted a woman after leaving a bank. She was struck on the head, causing her serious injuries which needed treatment at Torrecardenas Hospital in Almeria City.

Six more robberies with intimidation followed, all using the same modus operandi, which is known in Local Police slang as ‘cogotazo’. This translates as a rabbit punch or a swift blow to the neck.

In another of the robberies, an 80-year-old man was assaulted in Nijar. He was struck with such force that he lost consciousness and had to be admitted to Torrecardenas Hospital.

On August 28, National Police were able to identify the couple after witnessing the male suspect fleeing towards Calle Hermano Rufano. Minutes later, the police apprehended him and arrested his wife a few hours later at their house.

A search of the house produced clothing matching that described by witnesses at the scene of previous robberies.