Mallorca beach theft gang: seven remanded in custody

Seven suspected members of a Mallorca beach theft group are in custody without bail after arrests in Palma and Calvià. A Palma investigating court has ordered four others held at a CIE, Spain’s immigration detention centre, while eight were released, the High Court of Justice of the Balearic Islands said. National Police and Palma Local Police detained all 19 young men in an operation on Monday.

Police say the group targeted people bathing at Palma’s urban beaches and in Calvià, taking wallets, phones, rucksacks, credit cards and other belongings left on the sand. Reports rose sharply at Can Pere Antoni, Portixol, Ciudad Jardín and Can Pastilla.

Investigators believe the suspects travelled to beaches on electric scooters, waited nearby and then made off quickly. Police say they used violence when victims spotted a theft and tried to stop it.

42 phones recovered in Palma searches

Officers searched two squatted 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 remaining devices.

They also recovered 11 electric scooters with their serial numbers removed or scratched out. One scooter had a concealed compartment containing a knife.

One of the flats was in poor condition and had a room supported with props. Palma City Council technicians and firefighters attended and sealed the property.

Police continue checking reports

Police say they have established numerous thefts, as well as robbery involving violence and fraud. The investigation remains open as officers examine further complaints and make enquiries with people already affected.

Topics: Court cases · Police · Politics · Palma · Calvià

Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com