Mallorca pickpocket team makes over 50 arrests

Mallorca’s police theft squad has arrested more than 50 people in busy tourist areas since it was formed in May. Its latest operations led to three arrests in Port d’Andratx on Wednesday and two more at Castell de Bellver in Palma on Thursday. Police say the cases involved alleged thefts from older people and tourists.

In Port d’Andratx, officers followed two women and a man they knew from previous operations after their vehicle stopped. Police say the women took 35 euros from an older person’s backpack, then targeted an older couple.

The man later found his wallet, documents and 250 euros missing. Officers stopped the two women as they headed back towards the car, while the man was said to be waiting in the driver’s seat.

All three were arrested on suspicion of theft and belonging to a criminal group. Investigators say one woman watched for victims, the other carried out the thefts and the man was meant to help them get away. Two of those held had previous similar convictions, police said.

At Castell de Bellver the following day, officers watched a man allegedly reach into an older woman’s backpack while a woman beside him concealed the move. When police intervened, the victim reported her mobile phone missing.

Police say the pair tried to throw the phone into nearby bushes, but officers recovered it and the woman identified it as hers. Both suspects were arrested on suspicion of theft.

The Policía Nacional set up its Theft Group within its Provincial Criminal Police Brigade in May. Around ten officers reinforce areas where unnoticed thefts are rising, with a focus on specialist travelling groups and pickpockets.

Its operations include Playa de Palma, Castell de Bellver and central Palma. The police’s Immediate Response Group and officers in Palma’s Centro, Oeste and Playa districts also investigate and prevent property crime.

Topics: Police · Tourism · Politics · Andratx · Palma

Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com