been here for 2 weeks and havent seen a single one. Nor come across anyone whose been mugged or pickpocketed and have not seen even a hint of trouble. Quite a different picture than was being talked up before i got here.

Hi luv2tan if your out and about and walk down the side of the villa de benidorm cross the busy road and if your heading towards the tabacs they are right there.Just roundabout the pick and mix shop and the bank but watch your bag lol Only heard that police wont do anything to catch them as they get a cut in the money and that was from a publican over there and well known .. who knows .mazza

Hi mazza ... not doubting what a publican may have told you, but the police do arrest these people, the problem is often that the fines imposed are not sufficient to keep them off the streets. Brits are also involved in this lucrative business and have been amongst those arrested in the past.

David

It was a while ago, but I have seen an arrest taking place.

Hi david im only saying what was told and to be honest ive been going for the past 15yrs maybe longer 3/4 times a year and ive yet to see any of them being arrested .. mazza

past years i saw them a lot, especially along the beach area but this year not a sign. So i would say the situation must have improved.

they are still around,just not where you are.mainly in the morning you will see them.i know two gangs that work in benidorm.never seen any of them nicked just a telling off.and also i have seen the police get someones money back once.he justed handed it over to the unlucky guy and everyone walked away.you might think they are getting back handers. who knows.but its not funny and not good for tourism.

one gand has a big fat boss.you never see him work the sreets.but he just drops them off near the outdoor market.and along that street they do pratice runs.and he is there showing them how to do it right,best to keep well back if you see a crowd.its good to look out for the spotters.they stand out a mile.

but there is always some mug who gets conned.thanks to this site and others more people are getting to know.but sadly not everyone.if only the fag shops ripped up the cardboard.then they would not have a moveable table to carry with them.