Guardia Civil catches three pickpockets in the act in Los Gigantes
Spain’s Guardia Civil has arrested two women and a man, aged 30, 36 and 41, on suspicion of theft and membership in a criminal group after they allegedly stole a wallet containing €670 from a tourist at the Archipenque viewpoint in Los Gigantes (Santiago del Teide).
The arrests were made as part of Operation “Miradores,” an ongoing prevention and surveillance initiative focused on high-traffic tourist areas across the province, particularly scenic viewpoints and busy sites in southern Tenerife.
According to authorities, the three suspects acted in a coordinated manner, taking advantage of visitors’ distraction to remove the wallet from a backpack worn by the victim. Patrol officers in the area noticed suspicious movements among the group. While one of the women waited in a vehicle, the other two allegedly carried out the theft.
Officers intervened quickly, recovering the wallet and the cash, which were returned to the tourist at the scene. The detainees were later placed at the disposal of the competent judicial authority along with the case files.
The Guardia Civil said the operation underscores its commitment to protecting tourism and preventing crime in locations with a high concentration of visitors.
Advice to prevent theft
- Authorities urge visitors to take basic precautions in tourist areas:
- Avoid keeping money or documents in backpacks worn on the back.
- Do not carry large amounts of cash.
- Keep bags and personal items under close watch in crowded places.
- Do not leave valuables inside vehicles.
- Be wary of suspicious offers of help.
Officials stressed that public cooperation and simple self-protection measures are key to reducing opportunistic theft.
