AN ENGLISH couple were arrested in Albufeira last week, accused of robbery. The couple, a 30-year-old man and a 19-year-old girl, were found attempting to break into a coin box linked to an internet kiosk in the Hotel Grand Real Santa Eulália, on the outskirts of town.
A member of staff at the hotel called the GNR at Olhos d’Água, when he realised what the couple were doing. In the meantime, the couple fled the scene but it was not long before the guards caught up with them, as they had been able to identify the man and girl by watching the hotel’s security camera footage.
Thanks to the testimony of the hotel witness and the camera images, the police were able to ascertain that the couple were involved in the attempted robbery and are investigating other similar incidents involving the couple.
Before being spotted trying to steal from Hotel Grand Real Santa Eulália, the Britons were at another hotel in Albufeira, the Atlântico Balaia, where 120 euros disappeared from an internet kiosk. Curiously, the couple had 100 euros in cash in their possession when they were arrested.
Similar incidents have taken place recently at various hotels within the boroughs of Portimão, Albufeira and Loulé, and at least two complaints have been presented to the local authorities.
While the woman pretended to use the internet kiosk or the games machines, the man would aim to open the coin boxes. The couple were freed pending an appearance in court.
