Navarra Police Crack Down on 'Affectionate Hug' Theft Ring

Navarra Police Arrest Three for Elderly Thefts Using 'Affectionate Hug' Method A criminal group responsible for multiple thefts targeting elderly victims in Navarra has been dismantled by the Guardia Civil. Three individuals, all 32 years old and residing in the Valencian Community, were arrested in connection with seven thefts committed in Lodosa, Andosilla, and Peralta. The group employed a technique known as the "affectionate hug" method, where they would approach elderly individuals, feign friendliness, and then steal their valuables during an embrace. "Normally, it's young women who target older men," explained a Guardia Civil officer in a recent video. "They ask for directions or other information, then give a hug, and in that moment, they steal jewelry or wallets." The investigation, carried out by the Estella Judicial Police team, highlights the importance of public awareness. Authorities urge citizens to be cautious of overly friendly strangers and to refuse physical contact from those they don't know well. The quick apprehension of the suspects serves as a positive note in the ongoing fight against crime targeting vulnerable populations.