Crime
Torremolinos 'owls': the plainclothes police hunting nighttime offendersSUR joins the Grupo Búho on patrol, an elite unit where instinct and proactive policing keep the Costa del Sol safe after dark
The inspector and an officer from the Grupo Búho squad collaborating in Torremolinos. (Dani Maldonado)Irene Quirante
Torremolinos
04/05/2026 Actualizado a las 11:37h.They move through the darkness, discreetly, eyes wide open. Night falls in Torremolinos, where drag performers host packed terraces and drinks barely fit on the tables. Music fuels excess, flirting and a sense of freedom.
While the town celebrates, police from the Grupo Búho (the 'owl' squad) stay close by, watchful and alert. They know this type of environment creates the perfect conditions for opportunistic criminals. Dressed in plain clothes, like the birds of prey that give the unit its name, they train to swoop on nighttime offenders.
Prevention and identification
On the night, the pair move quietly through the passages and alleyways of the La Nogalera district. The crowds remain unaware, enjoying the party and the shows. Under neon lights, the team scan the people moving around pubs and nearby streets. "The key isn't to go out and see what you find, it's to observe: our rule is that if something doesn't add up, investigate it," officer J. Martín says.
In these cases, instinct rarely fails: "If someone doesn't fit in, they're probably looking to snatch from someone who's had too much to drink or to sell drugs. We identify them proactively so they know we're around."
This approach does more than deter crime. If someone later reports an offence and the suspect matches the description, the police already have a lead. The 'owls', who also operate in Benalmádena, keep monitoring calls coming through the 091 control room in case something happens nearby. "We deal with many calls about domestic violence and people with mental health issues - families or neighbours often call when someone is in distress," they say.
They also respond when alarms go off in homes or business establishment, which happens several times a night, on suspicion of a break-in. "In those cases, we try to get there before uniformed officers so the thieves don't spot a police presence. That way we don't scare them off and can catch them before they flee," the inspector states.
Drug-trafficking
SUR"We thought she might not have a licence and panicked, but she does, she's even got her 'new driver' plate on… It smells like they might have had drugs and tried to buy time to hide or throw them away," Triano says. The friends have nothing on them, but the police find a knife on the boyfriend. "What's this for?" they ask. "Just in case… I've got issues with some people," he replies, offering no further detail.
The officers seize the weapon and they report the driver for a road safety offence. The Grupo Búho continues the patrol into the early hours. The most critical hours in Torremolinos and Benalmádena pass without serious fights or violent incidents. "You can never let your guard down here. With weapons and drugs, the smallest thing can escalate quickly," they say.
They will not drop their guard until dawn.