Police shut down gang who targeted Costa del Sol tourists

THREE MEN have been arrested and 34 suitcases reclaimed in a National Police crackdown on tourist robberies.

As part of the ‘Tourism Safety Plan’, investigators have dismantled a gang in Malaga dedicated to stealing luggage from visitors arriving at the Costa del Sol airport. Police arrested two Algerian men, aged 46 and 30, after they were seen breaking a car window and attempting to make off with two suitcases outside Torremuelle train station.

After questioning the accused, police arrested a 31-year-old Moroccan man in connection with the robberies.

According to investigators, the alleged bandits would stalk tourists from the airport and wait until they parked their car. They would then break the windows and proceed to lift the victim’s belongings from the vehicle. Reportedly, on several separate occasions the gang assaulted and mugged holidaymakers.

Officers seized 34 suitcases, 11 laptops, backpacks, watches, mobiles and cameras at the gang’s base of operations in Malaga. Alongside the charge of alleged aggravated theft, police are looking to pursue public health charges after discovering drugs at the property.

A majority of the victims will not reclaim their belongings for some time, having returned to their home countries.

However, investigators have been able to return the belongings of five tourists still holidaying in Malaga.