The investigation began in late January following a report in Gironella. The thieves' method involved one person asking for directions to Barcelona to distract the victim while an accomplice stole their handbag from inside a vehicle or from a walking frame.

The stolen bank cards were later used to withdraw cash in Puig-reig and Avià, with some thefts exceeding one thousand euros. Police linked the pair to similar crimes in Bagà and Viver i Serrateix, noting they used a rental car obtained under a false name.

The two suspects have a combined record of 28 previous arrests for property crimes. Following their court appearance in Berga and Cornellà, police have issued a reminder to the public to remain vigilant when approached by strangers in the street.