The National Police have arrested four people who were illegally occupying a home in the Playa de Palma area. The detainees were the ones who alerted the officers upon seeing the owner climbing the facade to access his home.
Four people have been arrested in Palma as alleged perpetrators of a crime of home invasion after they themselves notified the National Police upon seeing the owner of the house trying to enter by climbing the facade. The events occurred last Tuesday night, around 10:15 PM, in a property located in the tourist area of Playa de Palma.
A woman called 091 to report that a man was scaling the facade of the building to gain access to the interior. Several patrols from the National Police's Motorcycle Group were dispatched to the scene and interviewed the complainant, who stated that she had purchased the property for 1,500 euros and had been living there for several weeks with several family members and friends, as well as six minors.
The officers located the man attempting to enter, who identified himself as the legitimate owner of the property. He explained that this was his usual residence and that he had been away for two weeks on a trip. He added that the alarm centre had notified him that strangers had accessed the property, so he went to the location and, unable to open the door, opted to climb the facade.
During the proceedings, the police discovered that earlier that same morning, a group of people had moved furniture and belongings into the house. Upon entering with the owner, he was able to confirm that the gate chain was missing, the access door was forced, and furniture from the living room and kitchen, as well as clothes and books, had disappeared. Additionally, the alarm system and security cameras were disabled. He also noticed that they had accessed a storage area on the property, where tools and paint cans were missing.
The officers proceeded to arrest the four individuals occupying the house, two men and two women of Spanish nationality, as alleged perpetrators of a crime of home invasion. The six minors found inside were handed over to a relative.
This case highlights the growing problem of squatting in Mallorca, which affects both private owners and banking entities and investment funds. According to data from the College of Property Administrators of the Balearic Islands, cases of illegal occupation have increased in recent years, especially in tourist areas like Playa de Palma.
The owner, who has recovered his home, has announced that he will file a complaint for the damages suffered. The investigation remains open to determine whether the detainees could be involved in other similar occupations in the area.
For residents in Mallorca, this incident serves as a reminder of the importance of having security systems and connected alarms, as well as maintaining regular contact with trusted neighbours who can alert them to any suspicious movements. Authorities recommend not attempting to access the property by dangerous means, such as climbing the facade, and always contacting the Police.
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