Local & Spanish

Man Arrested Over Series of Restaurant Terrace Thefts in Costa Blanca Tourist Areas

Altea - Calpe / 23 April 2026

A 60-year-old man has been arrested by Spanish police in connection with a series of thefts targeting restaurant and bar terraces across popular Costa Blanca destinations, including Altea,

Calpe, Moraira and Teulada.

Officers from the Guardia Civil have linked the suspect to at least 25 separate thefts, as well as one count of fraud involving the unauthorised use of bank cards. The total value of stolen items is estimated to exceed €10,000.

The arrest forms part of “Operation Kchori”, launched on 18 March following increased surveillance in tourist hotspots in the Marina Alta and Marina Baixa regions.

During routine patrols in Moraira, officers identified a man behaving suspiciously on a restaurant terrace, repeatedly approaching customers. Upon checking his identity, police discovered he was already subject to an outstanding arrest warrant issued by a Benidorm court, along with an expulsion order from Spain linked to previous offences.

One officer also recognised the individual as a suspect in an earlier theft reported in February.

Distraction Technique Used

Investigators say the suspect employed a simple but effective distraction method. He would approach diners while pretending to be on a phone call, loitering close to tables. At the right moment, he would conceal personal belongings—such as mobile phones or handbags—with his hands or nearby objects before quickly removing them without drawing attention.

When detained, officers recovered a mobile phone, more than €100 in cash, and a cap believed to have been used to partially disguise his appearance.

Widespread Activity Across Tourist Areas

Further enquiries, supported by police units in Altea and Calpe, connected the suspect to offences across multiple towns, all involving hospitality venues popular with tourists.

Judicial Outcome

The suspect has appeared before a court in Dénia and has been released under strict conditions. These include a ban on leaving Spain and the confiscation of his passport.

Public Safety Advice

Authorities are urging residents and visitors to remain vigilant in busy outdoor dining areas. Police recommend keeping personal belongings in sight at all times, avoiding hanging bags on chairs, and being cautious of individuals who linger near tables or attempt to create distractions.

🌴 What’s On This Week – Costa Blanca

(Benidorm & surrounding areas)

Overview

This week across Benidorm, Altea, Albir, Finestrat, and La Nucía is mainly:

Weekly markets and street trading

Live music in bars and small venues

Early spring coastal tourism activity (boat trips, promenades)

Small cultural events and exhibitions

Gradual build-up toward May festivals in Benidorm

BENIDORM – Events and Activity

Markets and street life

Wednesday and Sunday main street markets (large general markets for clothing, food, and goods)
Old Town craft stalls operating in the evenings
Night markets becoming more active as tourist season builds

Cultural activity

Early preparations and signage for the Medieval Market coming soon in central Benidorm
Small pop-up performances in Old Town squares (musicians, street entertainment)

Nightlife and entertainment

Live music every night across the main strips (cover bands, tribute acts, karaoke)
DJ sets and bar entertainment increasing toward peak season
Rooftop bars and terrace venues reopening more consistently

Overall feel

Benidorm is in an active pre-summer phase with strong nightlife and steady tourist flow.

ALTEA – Cultural and coastal atmosphere

Old Town and culture
Art galleries and artisan shops open daily
Small exhibitions and cultural displays in local venues

Live music

Acoustic and low-key live music in bars around Old Town and seafront areas
Occasional weekend performances in Irish and cocktail bars

Sea activities

Boat trips operating from Altea harbour including:
Coastal cruises
Sunset sailing trips
Swimming stops depending on weather conditions

Overall feel

Quiet, scenic, and cultural with a strong focus on relaxation rather than nightlife.

ALBIR / ALFÀS DEL PI – Mixed expat and local activity

Markets

Friday weekly street market with food, clothing, and household goods
Nearby Sunday markets in Altea also attract visitors from the area

Live music

Regular pub and bar entertainment, especially in Irish and rock-themed venues
Weekly live bands and acoustic performances across multiple venues

Cultural venues

Casa de Cultura hosting small theatre events, exhibitions, and community activities
Regular local group meetings and social clubs

Overall feel

Balanced area with both relaxed daytime atmosphere and active evenings.

LA NUCÍA – Local and sporting focus

Markets

Sunday rastro (large flea market with antiques, tools, clothes, and food stalls)
Entertainment
Occasional live music in local bars, mostly weekends

Sports activity

Large sports complex hosting training camps, tournaments, and weekend events

Overall feel

Quiet residential town with activity concentrated around weekends and sports events.

FINESTRAT – Beach and market lifestyle

Markets

Tuesday and Saturday markets in La Cala area with a mix of local produce and goods

Beachfront activity

Beach bars and restaurants increasingly open in the evenings
Sunset dining season beginning again

Entertainment

Low-key live music in beachfront bars rather than organised events

Overall feel

Relaxed coastal town focused on beach life and casual evenings.

OVERALL SUMMARY

Benidorm: busiest area with nightlife, markets, and entertainment

Altea: cultural, scenic, and relaxed

Albir / Alfàs del Pi: balanced mix of live music and expat social life

La Nucía: local, quiet, and sports-focused

Finestrat: beach-oriented and low-key

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Man Arrested Over Series of Restaurant Terrace Thefts in Costa Blanca Tourist Areas

🌴 What’s On This Week – Costa Blanca

(Benidorm & surrounding areas)

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