December is one of the most commercial months on the calendar. The festivities and celebrations typical of this time of year trigger purchases of gifts for family and friends for these dates, creating a significant increase in commercial activity in a wide variety of stores. During the days before Christmas and Epiphany, it is common to see people loaded with gifts next to their cars in the parking lots of shopping centers, reflecting the consumer frenzy that characterizes this festive season.
However, this consumerist desire, characterized by increased sales during the Christmas season, not only boosts economic activity, but also opens the door to risky situations. Thieves take advantage of the distractions generated by buying gifts to rob their victims while they store the purchased products in the car.
The Mossos d’Esquadra have issued statements through social networks to alert the population about a tactic used by criminals with the purpose of approaching individuals near their cars in shopping centers with the intention of robbing them.
This strategy, known as the ‘planting’ method, consists of identifying a person loaded with purchases who is heading towards their car to deposit the bags in the trunk. Taking advantage of the moment when the victim opens the vehicle, the criminals carry out the robbery, highlighting the need for caution on the part of citizens during their commercial activities.
They generally choose people who are alone, as it is easier to distract them. While the driver places the bags in the trunk, the criminals throw an object on the ground, creating a moment of confusion by making the victim believe that he has dropped something. At that moment, an accomplice approaches and, as the Mossos warn in the video, opens the passenger door to steal the purse or other valuables.
Faced with this type of theft, the police force advises people, when placing purchases in the car, to remain alert, monitor their belongings and avoid distractions in the presence of strangers.
During the times of greatest commercial activity, as is now the case with the acquisition of Christmas and Three Kings gifts, the different police forces warn citizens not to leave the bags in the car and continue shopping. There are organized gangs that are dedicated to watching people go to their cars to leave their bags in the trunk and leave the parking lot to continue shopping or go for a walk.
As soon as consumers walk away from their cars, criminals take advantage of the opportunity to break into the trunk and take valuable items.
For this reason, authorities recommend that consumers remain vigilant, avoid publicly displaying their purchases, and instead of storing them in the vehicle, store them safely to reduce the risk of becoming a target for possible theft.