The Mossos d'Esquadra arrested on Wednesday, April 8, in Molló a couple accused of committing two thefts with the 'mimosa' method and of attempting five others in different municipalities of Ripollès. The arrested are a 30-year-old man and a 32-year-old woman, the latter with a police record.
The investigation places the first theft in Ripoll, around 11:45 AM. The suspect approached an elderly woman with an excuse, took her hand and stole three rings from her. The victim realized what had happened, reprimanded the woman for the action and she fled running.
Shortly after, already towards midday, a second robbery occurred in Sant Pau de Segúries. In this case, the victim, also an elderly woman, was walking her dog when a stranger approached her, said something she didn't understand, and immediately gave her two kisses and a hug. During that contact, the alleged perpetrator snatched a gold chain with medals from her and escaped in a vehicle that was waiting nearby.
Seven actions attributed to the same couple in Ripollès
The Mossos attribute a total of seven incidents in the region to the two detainees. Two of them would have been consummated and another five remained in attempt. These maneuvers were registered in Campdevànol, Sant Joan de les Abadesses and Camprodon, where three cases were concentrated.
In those five attempts the robbery was not completed because the victims detected the maneuver in time or because the presence of witnesses forced the suspects to leave.
The mimosa method consists of approaching elderly people with an affectionate attitude to take advantage of physical contact and steal jewelry or other valuable objects. In many cases, a second person waits nearby in a vehicle to facilitate the escape.
Located on C 38 at the height of Molló
After receiving the alerts, the Mossos activated a search operation with the support of the Camprodon Municipal Guard. Around one in the afternoon, a patrol located the vehicle in which they were traveling on the C 38, within the municipal area of Molló.
In the search of the car, the officers of the citizen security patrol from the Ripoll police station recovered the stolen objects. The gold chain was hidden under the upholstery of the passenger's footwell area. The rings, for their part, were hidden in the roof upholstery, above the driver's sun visor.
With this evidence, the agents arrested the two occupants of the vehicle as alleged perpetrators of the thefts. The arrested individuals have appeared this Friday before the duty investigating court of Ripoll.
Recommendations to avoid this type of thefts
The Mossos advise distrusting strangers who approach with excessive familiarity, avoiding unnecessary interactions, and maintaining a safe distance. If someone tries to hug or touch uncomfortably, they recommend moving away immediately and calling 112 to facilitate a quick response.