The National Police have arrested over 90 people in the night operations in Playa de Palma this summer, mostly for thefts from tourists. The operation has already resulted in nearly 300 arrests across the city since the start of 'Operation Summer'.
The thefts from tourists in Playa de Palma have led the National Police to arrest over 90 people in the act since the summer began. Most of the arrests occurred during the night operations deployed in the area, according to police spokesperson Alejandro Becerra on Monday.
These arrests bring the total number of detainees in Palma to nearly 300 since the start of 'Operation Summer', an operation that is being reinforced this year with a permanent group specialised in thefts and mixed patrols made up of agents from Germany and the Netherlands.
International reinforcement against thefts
For the first time in the Balearic Islands, an agent from the Romanian Police has joined the investigation group throughout the summer to combat itinerant gangs dedicated to thefts. Romanian officer Simona Stan will remain in Mallorca until the end of the tourist season.
Stan explained that many of the groups dedicated to thefts are made up of people who know each other, even families, who move from the Canary Islands to Mallorca following the tourist season. "I have quite a bit of experience with Romanians who engage in theft. When the season ends in the Canaries, they come here," she noted.
Foreign agents work integrated as one more police officer and perform the same functions as Spanish officers. This cooperation "facilitates assistance to victims and investigations into criminal groups operating during the tourist season," according to the operation's officials.
Foreign agents: assistance in the victim's language
Helen, a police officer in Germany, stated that she was surprised by the high number of thefts during the summer and the work generated by the arrival of boats. For his part, Ben, a police officer in the Netherlands, recounted how he was able to assist two tourists from his country who had just had their mobile phone stolen while swimming on the beach, an intervention that allowed them to be attended to and file a report in their language.
Both officers explained that they expected to face more violent operations and highlighted that the most common incidents are thefts. Additionally, they noted that all victims who do not speak Spanish appreciate having someone to communicate with.
A summer with over 90 arrests 'in the act'
Police spokesperson Alejandro Becerra detailed that this year's operation is reinforced with a permanent group specialised in thefts and mixed patrols made up of police from Germany and the Netherlands. These officers have arrived on the island to "collaborate with Spanish officers and assist tourists in their own language and expedite the filing of reports."
'Operation Summer' will remain active over the coming weeks, with a particular focus on the tourist areas of Playa de Palma, where most thefts occur. The National Police recommends that tourists exercise caution with their belongings, especially on the beach and in areas of high foot traffic.
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