Guardia Civil arrests man for possession of electric scooters stolen in Torrevieja

Torrevieja / Melilla. Guardia Civil officers have arrested a man on suspicion of handling stolen property after recovering electric scooters that had previously been reported stolen in Torrevieja. The arrest took place during an inspection at the Port of Melilla.

During the check, officers found two electric scooters. Verification of their serial numbers confirmed that both had been stolen in Torrevieja and were listed as missing following police reports filed by their owners.

The suspect is accused of the offence of receiving stolen goods, which under Spanish criminal law applies to individuals who knowingly store or transport stolen items, even if they did not take part in the original theft.

The investigation remains ongoing and authorities do not rule out links to a broader network involved in moving stolen scooters between regions, including by sea. The recovered scooters will be returned to their rightful owners once legal procedures are completed.

Electric scooter thefts in Spain

The rapid growth in the use of electric scooters as urban transport has been accompanied by an increase in thefts. According to industry reports and insurance estimates, thousands of scooters are stolen each year in Spain, with figures continuing to rise.

Estimated national figures indicate:

• around 3,500 thefts in 2021;

• more than 4,000 in 2022;

• approximately 5,000 in 2023.

Tourist and coastal areas are particularly affected, especially where scooters are left unsecured. Police also regularly detect cases involving the resale and transport of stolen scooters between provinces.

Spanish authorities are preparing stricter controls, including mandatory registration and insurance, aimed at improving traceability and recovery.

Scooter protection checklist

• Use heavy-duty locks.

• Secure scooters to fixed structures.

• Park in well-lit, monitored areas.

• Avoid leaving scooters outdoors overnight.

• Keep records of serial numbers and purchase documents.

• Use tracking devices when possible.

Advice for scooter owners

In the event of theft, file a police report immediately. Electric scooters fall under the VMP category and are subject to local regulations. Mandatory registration is expected in the coming years.

Practical tip: treat your scooter as a vehicle, not a temporary gadget. Proper precautions significantly reduce the risk of theft.