In the wake of a high-speed police chase across the highways of Zaragoza province in Spain, the Civil Guard apprehended three men, including Cuban nationals, suspected of being part of a gang that allegedly stole using the "seed method." This distraction technique is employed to steal items from victims' vehicles, authorities reported on Tuesday.
According to an official statement referenced by local media, on January 13, the Emergency Center of the Civil Guard in La Almunia de Doña Godina was alerted to the theft of a handbag in a supermarket parking lot in the town.
The perpetrators used the "seed method," a well-documented tactic in Spain, where one or more criminals distract a person by throwing an object on the ground. This diversion causes the victim to either exit the vehicle or look away, allowing the thieves to swiftly take belongings from inside the car.
Officers from the Civil Guard of La Almunia, after identifying the vehicle associated with the suspects, managed to locate it. However, when they attempted to stop it, the driver ignored the signals to pull over and fled at high speed, performing dangerous maneuvers in both urban areas and on the A-2 highway, endangering other motorists.
During the pursuit, officers confirmed there were three men inside the vehicle. The driver executed numerous illegal overtakes, abrupt stops, and several attempts to leave the highway via different exits. Eventually, they drove onto an unpaved path but, unable to continue, reversed and rammed the patrol car to try to force it off the road.
This maneuver was unsuccessful, and the individuals abandoned the vehicle, attempting to escape on foot. Two were captured by officers from the Épila Civil Guard station, who joined the operation, while the third was apprehended hours later by a traffic police patrol from Calatayud at a service area on the A-2 highway.
Upon searching the suspects' vehicle, authorities recovered stolen items: two mobile phones, a wallet, and prescription glasses, linked to the theft reported in La Almunia and another similar incident in La Muela.
The arrested individuals are between 25 and 55 years old, of Cuban and Peruvian nationality, and have significant criminal records, the Civil Guard stated. One had an outstanding warrant for arrest and appearance, while another faced a deportation order from national territory.
The suspects, whose names have not been disclosed, face charges of theft, disobedience to law enforcement, and membership in a criminal group. The driver is also charged with reckless driving and damaging an official vehicle.
Understanding the "Seed Method" Theft Technique
What is the "seed method" used in theft?
The "seed method" is a distraction technique where criminals throw an object on the ground to divert a victim's attention, allowing them to steal belongings from the victim's vehicle.
How were the suspects apprehended?
The suspects were apprehended following a high-speed chase by the Civil Guard, which ended with the suspects abandoning their vehicle and attempting to flee on foot. Two were captured immediately, and the third was arrested hours later.