‘I live in Benidorm – never do this while watching football in bars’ | Travel News | Travel

A Benidorm expert has raised the alarm about a new scam targeting football fans in Benidorm. Lucy Young, also known as The Benidorm Enthusiast, has lived in the Spanish seaside resort for more than 20 years after visiting it at 16.

Posting on the YouTube channel Benidorm Stuff, Lucy warned that thefts happen far too often, and expensive phones are usually the target. However, thieves use one method in particular to catch football fans off guard as “scallies” prey on unsuspecting tourists. She cautioned visitors about the “hugger-mugger” method, where thieves hide under the guise of jubilant football fans and embrace supporters to sneakily take their valuables during moments of celebration.

She explained: “They’ll often have a team shirt on to blend in and whilst everybody is bouncing up and down to celebrate a goal, they’ll be relieving you of your personal items without you even realising.”

While she advised against carrying expensive phones where possible, she reminded visitors to avoid putting them on tables at bars or walking with them in open pockets.

The YouTuber encouraged visitors to set up a tracking app so that data can be remotely wiped, should a robbery happen. 

She revealed one common tactic used by thieves is feigning confusion and asking for directions: “You take your phone out, unlock it, and open the maps app – then they snatch the phone out of your hands and scarper.

“Be extra vigilant in bustling bars, around markets and high streets – anywhere there’s a crowd, there’s likely to be a few rogues lurking and pickpocketing.”

Another common tactic relies on flattery, where travellers – often men – are approached by women who feign interest to steal valuables. 

Lucy explained that some even lead tourists to a secluded spot and unbuckle their trousers before taking a wallet or phone, so that the victim is less likely to run in pursuit. 

Despite the embarrassment, Lucy emphasised the importance of reporting incidents to the police. 

She explained: “It’s unlikely you’ll recover your belongings, but every report filed puts pressure on authorities to address the issue – too many thefts still go unreported here.”