Police identify woman sought for 'romance scam' thefts from elderly in Burgos
National Police in Burgos have identified the suspected perpetrator of at least four thefts from elderly people using the 'romance scam' technique.
Woman wanted for stealing chains and watches from elderly people in Burgos
The National Police in Burgos have succeeded in identifying the suspected perpetrator of at least four 'romance scam' thefts committed against elderly people, according to diariodecastillayleon.es. The woman, currently at large, is accused of robbery with violence, continuous theft and membership of a criminal group.
Since May there has been a notable increase in this type of criminal activity, in which young women approach elderly people in the street to steal watches, bracelets, chains and other valuable accessories. The choice of elderly victims reflects, according to the investigation, the ease of exploiting their trust and their limited capacity for physical or psychological resistance.
In three of the four robberies attributed to her, the young woman managed to take two gold chains and a watch from the victims she approached. When the people tried to resist, violence was used, which aggravates the nature of the crimes. The items stolen also have significant sentimental value for their owners.
The results of the investigation have been referred to the competent Court of Instruction. The evidence gathered points to the existence of an organised group: the woman has more than a dozen police records, does not reside in Burgos and acts in co-ordination with one or more accomplices. These are responsible for prior surveillance of victims, counter-surveillance and assisting in the escape, operating on an itinerant basis between different localities.
The complaints accumulated over recent months were what alerted the National Police and prompted the investigation that led to the identification of the suspect. The woman remains at large pending her arrest.
Source: Google News ES — Crime (es)