Catalan police arrested a man and a woman in Barcelona's Horta-Guinardó district on 8 May. They allegedly posed as gas inspectors to steal jewellery from an 86-year-old resident. An off-duty Mossos d'Esquadra agent observed the suspects' suspicious behaviour. This led to their swift apprehension.
Around midday, the off-duty officer noticed a woman photographing a block of flats in the district. She then entered the building. The woman concealed her face with a cap and face covering. Once inside, she allowed a man, also wearing a cap, to enter. The plainclothes agent suspected criminal activity. He alerted police. Officers quickly arrived at the property. They found the man hiding with several pieces of jewellery in his hands. Police valued the stolen items between €3,600 and €4,000. Officers later determined the suspects had taken them from an elderly resident in the same block.
The victim, an 86-year-old woman, had received a phone call at her home. The caller pretended to be from a gas service company. They informed her a gas reviser would visit. The caller also threatened a €300 penalty on her gas bill if she was not home or refused the inspection. Once inside her flat, one suspect distracted the woman. The other searched her home and took the jewellery. The Mossos d'Esquadra presented the two suspects, a 28-year-old man and a 23-year-old woman, to a Barcelona duty court on 9 May. The woman had two previous robbery arrests.
Warning Against Impersonation Scams
The Mossos d'Esquadra regularly warn residents about such scams. This method typically involves one or more people presenting themselves as utility company workers. They might claim to be from water, electricity, gas, or telecommunications services. Sometimes, they pose as maintenance technicians or general service personnel. These criminals often show seemingly official documents. They also use uniforms to build trust. They target elderly victims, especially those living alone. They exploit their physical and psychological fragility. They also take advantage of their particular vulnerability.
Protecting Vulnerable Residents
Once they gain entry to a home through deception, they distract the victim. This distraction often involves fake inspections or non-existent checks. While one person keeps the resident busy, another searches the property. Their main goal is to steal jewellery, cash, bank books, watches, and other valuable items. These items are easy to take and sell. Residents in Barcelona, particularly older adults, should always verify the identity of unexpected visitors. They should ask for official identification. They must also confirm appointments with the utility company directly. This vigilance helps protect against such predatory crimes.
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Originally published by El Periódico Barcelona. Read original article.
