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Civil Guard Dismantles Criminal Gang Targeting Elderly Women in Altea

17 Arrested as Operation Kilada Solves 18 Violent Robberies

Altea / 22 July 2026

The Spanish Civil Guard has dismantled a criminal organisation that allegedly targeted elderly women across Altea and neighbouring towns in the Marina Baixa region, arresting 17 suspects following a major investigation known as Operation Kilada.

The operation, led by the Civil Guard's Altea unit with support from specialist officers, has so far linked the group to 18 violent robberies and three thefts, with investigators also uncovering evidence of suspected drug trafficking.

Elderly Women Specifically Targeted

The investigation began in February after a series of reports from elderly women who had been violently robbed of their jewellery while returning home.

According to investigators, the gang would identify vulnerable victims in busy public areas, including the seafront promenades of Altea and L'Alfàs del Pi, as well as outdoor cafés, bars and shopping areas.

The suspects allegedly followed the women discreetly until they reached the entrances to their apartment buildings or homes before launching their attacks, often where there were few or no witnesses.

Victims had necklaces, bracelets and rings forcibly removed, with many suffering injuries during the assaults.

In one particularly serious incident, investigators say a suspect forced his way into an elderly woman's home before violently stealing a gold necklace during a struggle.

Coordinated Criminal Network

The Civil Guard believes the organisation consisted of at least ten active offenders working in carefully coordinated pairs or small groups, allowing them to identify victims, monitor their movements and carry out the robberies before quickly fleeing the scene.

Authorities say the number of these offences had increased significantly across the Marina Baixa area in recent months before the investigation was launched.

17 Arrested

Officers from the Citizen Security Units based in Torrevieja and Calpe, together with the Civil Guard's Canine Unit, carried out a search at a property in Altea believed to have been used by members of the gang.

Initially, 13 men and two women were arrested. A further two suspects were later detained in Altea and Benidorm, bringing the total number of arrests to 17.

Those arrested are aged between 17 and 31 years old.

Drugs, Cash and Stolen Property Seized
During the operation, officers seized:
Approximately 15 grams of cocaine
21 grams of hashish resin
Around 30 nitrous oxide canisters
Drug preparation and distribution equipment
Cash
Several items of stolen jewellery
Four electric scooters
Fifteen high-end mobile phones, some still unused

Investigators believe the property was also being used in connection with low-level drug distribution.

Court Proceedings

The suspects have been charged with offences including:

Membership of a criminal organisation
Violent robbery
Drug trafficking

Following their appearance before the Investigating Court in Benidorm, all 17 suspects were released subject to precautionary judicial measures while the investigation continues.

Major Blow Against Organised Crime

The Civil Guard says Operation Kilada has dismantled a criminal network that deliberately preyed on elderly residents, one of the most vulnerable groups in society.

The operation has also enabled officers to recover some of the stolen jewellery and dismantle a suspected drug distribution point operating within the Marina Baixa region.

The investigation remains ongoing, and the Civil Guard has not ruled out further arrests as enquiries continue.

🌴 What's On Across the Costa Blanca

Benidorm & Surrounding Areas | 20–26 July 2026

The Costa Blanca enters another fantastic week of the summer season, with beaches packed, festivals in full swing and a busy programme of sporting, cultural and family-friendly events across Benidorm, Altea, Villajoyosa, Finestrat, La Nucía and L'Alfàs del Pi.

With schools now on holiday across much of Europe, visitor numbers continue to rise as the region enjoys one of its busiest weeks of the year.

☀️ Benidorm

Beaches & Summer Activities

Benidorm's award-winning Levante, Poniente and Mal Pas beaches continue operating at full summer capacity, with lifeguards, beach services and water sports available daily.

Popular activities include:

Parasailing
Jet ski adventures
Boat trips to Benidorm Island
Paddleboarding and kayaking
Beach volleyball
Open-air fitness classes
Family beach activities
New Seafront Attraction

Visitors continue flocking to Benidorm's giant new "BENIDORM" letters on the Tamarindos Promenade, created from 170kg of recycled fishing nets recovered from the Mediterranean, making them one of the city's most popular new photo spots.

International Mermaids & Mermen Convention

Aqua Natura Benidorm continues hosting Europe's largest International Mermaids & Mermen Convention.

Visitors can enjoy:

Mermaid performances
Underwater demonstrations
Marine conservation workshops
Interactive family activities
Meet-and-greet sessions
Benidorm Cable Ski – 60th Anniversary

The famous Benidorm Cable Ski continues celebrating its 60th anniversary with commemorative displays and special summer activities honouring one of Europe's oldest cable ski facilities.

Entertainment & Nightlife

Benidorm's nightlife remains in full swing with:

Live tribute shows
Comedy and cabaret
Karaoke
Rooftop bars
Beach clubs
Live DJs
Sunset boat parties
Summer club nights

🌿 Albir & L'Alfàs del Pi

Nature & Coastal Walks

The award-winning Albir Lighthouse Trail, recognised as Spain's Best Blue Trail, continues attracting thousands of visitors with spectacular views across the Serra Gelada Natural Park.

Things to enjoy:

Guided walks
Cycling routes
Outdoor fitness
Beachfront dining
Evening live music
International community events

🍫 Villajoyosa

Colourful Coastal Heritage

La Vila Joiosa continues welcoming visitors to one of the Costa Blanca's most colourful seaside towns.

Popular attractions include:

Valor Chocolate Museum
Chocolate factory tours
Historic Old Town
Seafront promenade
Artisan markets
Summer concerts
Beachfront restaurants

🏟️ La Nucía

Sport & Family Activities

Camilo Cano Sports City continues hosting:

International training camps
Community fitness sessions
Youth sporting events
Family activities
Outdoor exercise classes
Summer Cultural Programme

Throughout the week La Nucía continues its summer cultural programme featuring:

Outdoor concerts
Local exhibitions
Evening entertainment
Family activities
Traditional markets

🌅 Finestrat

Outdoor Adventures

Summer conditions make Finestrat ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.

Popular activities include:

Hiking Puig Campana
Mountain biking
Scenic countryside walks
Exploring the historic village
Relaxing at La Cala Beach
Shopping & Dining

La Marina Shopping Centre continues offering:

Summer sales
Outdoor terraces
Beachfront restaurants
Family entertainment

🎭 Altea

Arts & Culture

Altea continues its vibrant summer programme with:

Artisan markets
Art galleries
Live jazz
Acoustic concerts
Cultural events around Plaza de la Iglesia

Summer Safety

Enhanced summer policing remains in place across beaches, the Old Town, promenade and shopping areas to help keep residents and visitors safe during the busy holiday period.

Coastal Experiences
Catamaran cruises
Sunset sailing
Waterfront dining
Photography tours

📅 Coming Up

Summer fiestas continue across the Costa Blanca
Outdoor concerts throughout Marina Baixa
Family entertainment during the school holidays
Extended opening hours at major attractions
Evening artisan markets
Live music every night across the region
Beach events throughout the week

🌴 Quick Summary

🏖️ Beaches and water sports operating at full summer capacity
🧜 Aqua Natura's International Mermaids & Mermen Convention continues
🎿 Benidorm Cable Ski celebrates 60 years
📸 Giant recycled "BENIDORM" letters remain a major attraction
🌿 Albir Lighthouse Trail continues attracting walkers
🎨 Altea's summer arts and cultural programme continues
🎶 Live music, nightlife and outdoor dining across the Costa Blanca
☀️ Peak summer holiday season continues

🌤️ Weather Outlook

Another week of hot, settled Mediterranean weather is expected.

🌡️ Daytime: 31°C–35°C

🌙 Evenings: 24°C–27°C

Perfect conditions for beaches, sightseeing, outdoor dining and evening entertainment. Visitors are advised to stay hydrated, use high-factor sunscreen and avoid prolonged sun exposure during the hottest part of the afternoon.