Playa de Palma robberies: man arrested over attacks on tourists

Spanish National Police have arrested a man in Playa de Palma, Mallorca, over four suspected violent robberies targeting tourists since late June. The suspect was found and detained in the early hours of Thursday after investigators linked him to each of the reported incidents.

The Balearic Islands police headquarters said the alleged attacks took place before dawn, when busy streets and the vulnerability of some visitors were said to have been exploited. Victims were approached in public areas or close to the beach, with the suspect allegedly acting alone on some occasions and with others on others.

Threats and stolen valuables

Police said force was used or victims were threatened with bladed weapons, stones and broken glass bottles. High-end mobile phones, cash, watches and a bumbag were among the items allegedly taken.

In the first reported case, late in June, a tourist was approached while in the sea. When a friend intervened, one alleged attacker threatened him with a stone and smashed a glass bottle before the group fled with a bumbag and a high-end phone.

A later incident involved several tourists who were allegedly threatened with a knife and robbed of a phone and cash. In July, another victim was held by several people while a watch valued at about 8,000 euros was taken, leaving the person with bruising and cuts to the neck and shoulders.

Investigation remains open

In a further reported robbery, a tourist was threatened with a broken bottle and ordered to hand over a wallet containing documents and cash. Detectives identified the arrested man as an alleged participant in all four cases, although he had initially been untraceable.

The investigation is continuing and police have not ruled out further arrests.

Topics: Police · Tourism · Palma

Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com