The National Police have arrested three suspected pickpockets who were operating near Palma Cathedral, targeting tourists in particular. Those arrested, two women and a man, were part of a specialised, itinerant criminal organisation dedicated to pickpocketing.
According to the Balearic Police Headquarters, they were highly professional, acted in a coordinated manner, had a clear division of tasks that each of them carried out during the thefts, and selected their victims, mostly tourists.
Although investigators initially detected their presence in the vicinity of the Cathedral, they also operated inside shops and on other streets in Palma. There, taking advantage of their victims’ lack of vigilance, they stole their wallets. To avoid arousing suspicion, they dressed in such a way as to blend in as ordinary tourists.
Last Thursday and Friday, the National Police and the Palma Local Police carried out a joint operation that culminated in the arrest of the three suspects, all of Romanian nationality. They are charged with membership of a criminal organisation and theft.
Furthermore, investigators confirmed that the man had used the credit card he had previously stolen from a handbag, and he is therefore also considered to be guilty of fraud. The judicial authorities have issued a restraining order preventing them from entering the Balearic capital. The police investigation remains open and further arrests cannot be ruled out.