Spanish National Police say they have arrested eight suspected “hurto amoroso” offenders this year across Castilla y León, targeting older people in the street. The operation ran as a special device to prevent the type of theft, with police carrying out around a hundred checks, identifying 70 people, and arresting eight suspects. Officers said the scheme typically involves women aged 25 to 35 who approach older victims as if they were acquaintances. The alleged offenders use a false pretext, hugging victims and maintaining constant physical contact to keep them distracted while they take valuables such as watches, wallets and necklaces. In some cases, police say the suspects approach as victims are about to enter their homes and use false excuses to get inside. The report also describes situations where a “contact” offers alleged sexual favors, while a second accomplice then follows the victims into different rooms and steals items while they are distracted. Police said the device operated in towns across the region, coordinated from the Valladolid headquarters. Uniformed units carried out preventive checks, while police judicial officers in plain clothes worked to locate alleged authors in public before they could commit thefts. Participation Ciudadana police also held talks in neighbourhood associations and nursing residences to warn older people and encourage victims to report crimes. Police added that some victims delay filing complaints and may hide what happened from family members. The arrests are tied to the ongoing police operation in Castilla y León, with eight suspects taken into custody so far this year.