The Guardia Civil has arrested a man and a woman for allegedly committing up to seven robberies against various people in tourist areas of Calvia and Andratx; they have been ordered to leave Mallorca within 24 hours. The detainees were part of a group specialising in stealing from tourists, generally elderly people, according to a statement issued by the Guardia Civil.
To do so, they mainly used the technique known as the ‘loving embrace’, which involves approaching victims in a kind and friendly manner. Under any pretext, they would initiate close physical contact until, when the victim was off guard, they managed to snatch chains or pendants from their necks.
Among the crimes detected, one that took place in Palmanova is particularly noteworthy, where they approached a German tourist on the beach promenade under the pretext of asking for directions to a spa. During the interaction, they managed to steal a gold pendant valued at approximately €3,000.
Another incident took place in Sant Elm, when the man distracted a British tourist by offering to take her photograph. Meanwhile, his accomplice stole the purse from inside the victim’s rucksack. Following the relevant investigations, officers have managed to identify the alleged perpetrators, who were positively identified from photographs by the victims.
With the arrest of these individuals, who are repeat offenders with a high level of criminal activity, a total of seven offences committed in the municipalities of Calvia and Andratx have been solved. Furthermore, officers verified that the woman was the subject of an active arrest warrant issued by the courts in Barcelona for similar offences committed in that city. Following their appearance in court, both detainees have been served with a restraining order and prohibited from residing in Mallorca for the duration of the legal proceedings.