Mallorca police hold 18-year-old over hotel thefts

An 18-year-old has been arrested in Mallorca over a series of alleged thefts from hotel rooms and holiday lets, including car keys and vehicles. The Guardia Civil says he is the second suspect held in an investigation into a group targeting tourists. The reported crimes were concentrated in Aucanada, Alcúdia, and the Bellresguard urbanisation.

Police say the suspect entered a hotel room in the early hours of 18 June while its occupants were inside. He allegedly took wallets and car keys, then left the hotel in the vehicle.

A second hotel room was allegedly entered through a balcony on 30 June. Cash and the parked vehicle were taken, according to the Guardia Civil. The latest alleged offence was on 3 July, when valuables were stolen from a holiday home.

Investigators from the Guardia Civil in Pollença and Alcúdia linked the cases through the same method, police said. The group allegedly used open doors or windows when tourists were distracted, taking electronics, jewellery, cash and foreign currency as well as personal belongings.

The 18-year-old is suspected of four burglaries in occupied accommodation, two offences involving the theft and use of vehicles, and two road-safety offences. Police say he had never obtained a driving licence.

A large part of the stolen vehicles and some of the property have been recovered. Most of the cars had been abandoned or found in Sa Pobla, with help from the Guardia Civil there and the local police. The investigation remains open and further arrests have not been ruled out.

Topics: Police · Housing · Tourism · Pollença · Alcúdia · Sa Pobla

Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com