Andorra Police Probe Two Suspects in Distraction Thefts at Jewelry Stores

Police in Andorra are investigating two young men suspected of attempted distraction thefts at gold and jewelry stores in Andorra la Vella, as part of an ongoing probe into transient organized groups targeting the sector.

The incidents occurred Wednesday afternoon at outlets along Avinguda Meritxell and in the Prada Ramon area, including one previously hit by a €6,000 tungsten-filled gold scam roughly ten days prior. The well-dressed suspects, equipped with jeweler's loupes and carrying large sums of cash, posed as interested buyers of high-value items. They sometimes mentioned additional funds in their car or at a bank. Staff grew wary of their behavior, halted transactions, and alerted police before any theft could occur or even reach the attempt stage.

Police sources stress these cases differ from recent frauds, where five suspects were identified after selling fake gold items that caused €6,000 and €2,000 losses respectively. No manipulated sales took place here—only standard distraction methods to grab items during a brief worker diversion.

Following the alerts, officers visited gold-buying and jewelry shops across the Principat, sharing suspect descriptions and urging immediate calls if spotted. Merchants report strong insistence on prevention for rapid response. Plainclothes units now patrol high-risk areas, while authorities analyze security footage with store help to identify the men and trace prior activity in Andorra or elsewhere in Europe.

The suspects, linked to itinerant bands that often arrive and leave the same day, remain at large. They may have departed but could return, complicating efforts. No arrests have occurred.

The jewelry and gold sector remains on high alert amid rising concerns. Experts warn that spotting advanced fakes demands tests beyond surface scratches, especially for ingots, coins, or thick gold-plated pieces. Police continue nationwide warnings to bolster vigilance.