Two residents of southern Israel in their 30s and 40s were arrested over the weekend by Eilat police on suspicion of breaking into more than 10 hotel rooms in the city and stealing guests’ belongings, including credit cards later allegedly used after the thefts. Police believe the case is part of a wider wave of property crime at Eilat hotels.
The suspects were brought to Eilat Magistrate’s Court, where police requested a seven-day extension to continue the investigation. In the hearing, the police representative declined to reveal how the suspects allegedly entered the rooms. Their lawyer argued that there was no evidence linking them to the offenses and claimed one of the arrests was unlawful. The court ultimately extended their detention by three days.
Investigators say the arrests are only one piece of a broader trend troubling the city’s tourism sector. Just a week earlier, police in Eilat arrested another suspect, a resident of central Israel, who allegedly posed as a hotel guest and stole bags from a luggage-storage room for visitors.
Police think gangs of property offenders have been operating in Eilat hotels in recent weeks, pretending to be guests and breaking into rooms to steal valuables from vacationers. One victim, identified as A., said, “I walked into the room and everything went dark for me. They stole everything, jewelry, cash and credit cards.” He added that the room had been locked when they left, leaving them unable to understand how the burglars got in. Police say some suspects wait near guest floors and cleaning staff, while others impersonate guests or test whether room doors are left open or poorly locked.
