Mallorca beach theft gang: 19 arrested in Palma

Nineteen young people have been arrested over a run of thefts targeting beachgoers in Palma and Calvià. Police say the group hunted for bags, phones and other belongings left on the sand, and could turn violent when people tried to stop them. The arrests were made on Monday in an operation by the Spanish National Police and Palma Local Police.

Complaints had risen sharply, with reports concentrated on Palma’s urban beaches at Can Pere Antoni, Portixol, Ciudad Jardín and Can Pastilla. Investigators say the suspects travelled by electric scooter, waited near the beaches and sped away after stealing.

The group is suspected of operating as a criminal organisation and of theft, robbery with violence, handling stolen goods and fraud. Police say its activity later spread across Palma’s urban beaches and into Calvià.

42 phones seized in Palma searches

Officers searched two occupied flats in Palma and seized 42 mobile phones. Some had already been reported stolen, while police are trying to identify the rightful owners of the rest.

They also seized 11 electric scooters with serial numbers erased or scratched off. One scooter had a hidden compartment containing a bladed weapon.

One of the flats was in poor condition, with a room needing support. Palma City Council technicians and Palma Fire Brigade attended and sealed the property.

The investigation remains open as officers review further complaints and speak to those affected. Police have not ruled out more arrests.

Topics: Police · Politics · Palma · Calvià

Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com