Going to the supermarket may seem like a banal routine, but Spanish authorities now warn of a scam that has made several victims in parks. This is the so-called “sowing method”, a distraction trick that begins apparently innocently and ends in the theft of wallets and fraudulent surveys in multibanco boxes.
The distraction trick
According to the Spanish National Police, the scheme is simple and effective. One of the group members observes the victim inside the supermarket as he pays purchases to memorize the PIN code introduced. Abroad, another accomplice approaches the person with a warning: it will have dropped something in the back of the car.
While the victim goes out to check, a third element takes advantage of the bag or wallet left inside the vehicle. With the bank card and code already identified, the robbers immediately move to automatic boxes to raise money.
Detention in Calatayud
According to the Spanish newspaper, the latest operation took place on August 29 in Calatayud, in the province of Saragoça.
A woman immediately realized her lack of her pocket and went to the local squad to report the crime. The fast alert allowed to set up a police device in several city multibans.
Half an hour later, agents recognized two suspects to operate in automatic boxes, communicating with each other through ear -bolts. After conducting surveys, they tried to escape, but were already intercepted in a car where he was waiting for a third accomplice. The three were arrested in the act.
Itinerant criminal group
According to the Spanish National Police, the detainees act itinerantly through several Spanish cities, constantly moving to avoid being detected.
In Calatayud, it was the first time they have applied this method, but the investigation has been ongoing and its connection to other similar crimes has not been excluded.
The three men now face accusations of theft, burla and belongs to a criminal group.
A warning to potential victims
The so -called “sowing method” shows how routine can be used to create mistakes.
Authorities recommend that, in the face of unexpected parking, citizens do not lose sight of their belongings and avoid getting out of the car without value objects. An innocent gesture can become an opportunity for crime.
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