Operation Potato has resulted in the detention of a 23-year-old as the alleged perpetrator of numerous thefts of articles from bathers on the beaches of Nerja during the summer.
The Guardia Civil began an investigation in July after an increase in reports of thefts of handbags, backpacks and other items from bathers on the municipal beaches.
These items would disappear while beachgoers were off swimming and this led the Guardia Civil to believe that the perpetrator was probably making use of the cliffs, rocks and nooks and crannies to hide and watch the bathers in order to select a suitable victim.
Statements from victims helped the police to identify the alleged thief and he was duly apprehended. He has been remanded in custody. The Guardia Civil recovered numerous bags, electronic devices and personal documents.