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Benidorm among hotspots as police dismantle luxury watch theft gang operating across Spain

 

Benidorm / 30 April 2026

 

Spanish police have arrested five suspected members of an organised criminal group accused of targeting victims for high-value watch thefts in some of the country’s most popular tourist destinations.

 

The operation, led by the National Police Corps, links a series of robberies in Madrid, Puerto Banús and Benidorm—areas known for attracting affluent visitors and luxury tourism.

 

Investigation triggered by €500,000 robbery

The case began on April 17 after a violent robbery in Madrid’s Retiro district, where a luxury watch valued at around €500,000 was stolen outside a hotel.

 

Following the incident, investigators identified a pattern of similar crimes:

• April 19 – robbery in Puerto Banús
• April 22 – incident in Benidorm
• December 2025 – earlier theft in central Madrid

 

Police say the timing, methods and targeting of victims pointed to a coordinated criminal network specialising in high-end watches.

 

Suspects tracked to the Costa Blanca

Working jointly across regions, officers from Madrid and Alicante were able to trace the group to tourist accommodation in Calpe on the Costa Blanca.

 

A coordinated operation on April 22 led to the arrest of all five suspects, who were located and detained in the same area.

 

Stolen items recovered

• During searches linked to the arrests, police recovered:
• Two stolen luxury watches
• One counterfeit watch

 

At least one of the recovered items has already been returned to its owner.

 

Charges and imprisonment

The five men have been charged with:

• Three counts of robbery with violence and intimidation
• One count of theft

 

All suspects have been remanded in custody following their court appearance.

 

Tourist hotspots increasingly targeted

Police say the case highlights a wider trend of organised groups targeting wealthy individuals in high-profile tourist locations, particularly along Spain’s Mediterranean coast.

 

Destinations such as Benidorm and Puerto Banús, which attract large numbers of international visitors, can become opportunistic environments for luxury thefts, especially during peak travel seasons.

 

Authorities are urging visitors to remain vigilant, particularly when wearing high-value items in busy public areas.

 

Ongoing efforts to tackle organised crime

The operation reflects increased coordination between regional police units to combat travelling criminal networks operating across multiple cities.

 

Investigators have not ruled out further arrests as enquiries continue.