A woman with a long criminal record has been detained in Madrid for stealing jewelry from elderly people using the so-called affectionate hug trick. The case involves multiple towns and highlights the vulnerability of older residents.
Police in Madrid have arrested a 30-year-old woman accused of stealing jewelry from elderly people by pretending to offer friendly hugs. The arrest took place in San Agustín del Guadalix after a series of similar thefts were reported in Madrid, Guadalajara, and Toledo. Victims described brief encounters with a stranger who seemed kind, only to realize later that their valuables were missing.
The method, known as the 'abrazo cariñoso' or affectionate hug, depends on the thief appearing trustworthy. According to the Guardia Civil, the woman would approach older men and women in public, start a conversation, and then embrace them. During the hug, she would quickly remove necklaces, chains, or other jewelry, often without the victim noticing until she had already left.
In early September 2026, police in Galicia issued a renewed warning about the 'hurto amoroso' scheme after new arrests for violent thefts targeting the elderly.
Investigators connected her to at least five thefts and one violent robbery, all involving elderly victims. The pattern became clear after six complaints from towns such as Meco, Ajalvir, and El Molar in Madrid, as well as rural areas in Guadalajara and Toledo. In one case in Ajalvir, the suspect reportedly tore a gold chain from an elderly woman's neck and escaped by car.
Police tracked her down by following the vehicle she used to travel between towns. She has a long criminal record, with about thirty previous offenses of a similar kind. Despite this, she was released after her latest arrest and is awaiting trial, as required by Spanish law.
Spanish law treats thefts differently depending on the value of what was stolen. If the amount is under 400 euros, the penalty is a fine of one to three months. For thefts above that amount, prison sentences range from six to eighteen months. Repeat offenders can face tougher penalties, and violent robberies may lead to two to five years in prison.
Recent reports from several Spanish regions confirm that organized groups often target elderly people living alone, and that similar 'affectionate theft' cases have led to waves of arrests in Madrid, Valencia, Biscay, and the Balearic Islands in early September 2026. Authorities emphasize the importance of immediate reporting and vigilance in public spaces.
This case highlights how older people in Spain are often targeted by criminals who take advantage of trust and physical closeness. The fact that one person could commit dozens of similar crimes before facing serious legal consequences raises concerns about how well current laws deter repeat offenders. As Spain's population ages, there is a growing need for better protection and awareness for seniors. Without stronger prevention and consistent legal action, these types of thefts are likely to continue in Spanish communities.
