Man arrested in Orihuela after robbing a man at an ATM and forcing him to go home for more money

Spanish National Police have arrested a 52-year-old man in Orihuela accused of carrying out a violent robbery involving threats with weapons. According to investigators, the attack began at an ATM and later continued at the victim’s home.

The victim, a 46-year-old man, was withdrawing cash late at night when he was approached by the suspect, who threatened him with a knife and a small handgun.

The incident then escalated further.

When the victim refused to hand over more money at the ATM, the attacker forced him to go back to his home in order to steal more cash and valuables.

Inside the apartment, the suspect continued threatening him and stole additional money.

The victim later managed to convince the attacker that he could withdraw more money from another ATM. Using that opportunity, he escaped and reported the incident to the National Police.

The suspect was arrested a few hours later.

The victim said this was not the first threat

During questioning, the victim explained that the same individual had already intimidated him about a month earlier.

However, he had not contacted police at the time because he feared retaliation.

Concerns about crime continue to grow in Vega Baja

Incidents like this are becoming an increasingly discussed issue in Orihuela, Orihuela Costa and Torrevieja.

According to regional statistics and reports:

• Orihuela remains among the municipalities with significant levels of robbery and property crime;

• Torrevieja also continues ranking among the most crime-affected cities in southern Alicante province.

The most common offences include:

• theft;

• burglaries;

• fraud;

• assaults;

• drug-related crime;

• tourist-related offences.

ATMs at night remain a vulnerable target

Police have repeatedly warned that ATMs at night are among the most vulnerable locations for street robbery.

The highest-risk situations include:

• poorly lit streets;

• isolated cash machines;

• tourist zones;

• late evening hours.

Residents are increasingly worried

Facebook groups and neighbourhood chats in Orihuela Costa and Torrevieja are seeing growing discussions about:

• robberies;

• suspicious individuals;

• scams;

• night-time insecurity.

Many residential areas are now organising:

• WhatsApp alert groups;

• neighbourhood watch systems;

• surveillance cameras.

Crime patterns are changing

While Costa Blanca was once mainly associated with petty tourist theft, authorities are now seeing more:

• violent robberies;

• weapon-related assaults;

• organised crime;

• drug trafficking.

Even so, the region is still considered relatively safe by European standards.

Police continue advising residents and visitors:

• avoid withdrawing large amounts of cash at night;

• avoid isolated ATMs;

• do not display cash publicly;

• report threats immediately.

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Do not go to ATMs late at night — it is dangerous!

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