The National Police announced on Tuesday the creation of a new permanent group against thefts in Palma, which will operate year-round. The announcement was made during the farewell to the mixed patrol agents, who finish their service this Wednesday.
The National Police has launched a permanent police group to combat pickpockets and other thefts in Palma. The new service, part of the judicial brigade, will focus on dismantling the groups and criminal organisations operating in the Balearic capital. Spokesperson Alejandro Becerra explained that the group will work in collaboration with units from the mainland and other countries.
The announcement came during the farewell event for the three agents of the mixed patrol —from Germany, the Netherlands, and Romania— who conclude their service this Wednesday. These officers have worked over the past months as part of the 'Operation Summer', a deployment that since May 15 has achieved nearly 300 arrests, of which 90 were individuals caught in the act during nighttime hours.
Farewell to the mixed patrol, welcome to the new group
The head of the National Police Station at Playa de Palma, Francisco Javier Santos, highlighted the work of the foreign agents: “They collaborate on equal terms with Spanish police. They interact with foreign tourists, helping them file complaints. They not only act preventively or reactively but also provide assistance and care to Dutch, German, and Romanian visitors.”
The three agents —Ben, the Dutch; Helene, the German; and Simona Stan, the Romanian— have received a diploma certifying their participation. Simona Stan will receive hers upon completing her involvement on August 31. All have praised the dynamics of the national force and highlighted the joy of their compatriots in being able to communicate with them without a language barrier.
A boost against crime in the capital
The new permanent group fills the gap left by the mixed patrol, which only operated during peak season. Now, the agents will work year-round in tourist areas and at Playa de Palma, where most thefts from tourists occur. Spokesperson Becerra emphasised that “this group will work in collaboration with other units from the mainland and other countries in our vicinity.”
For Palma residents, the measure represents greater security on the streets, especially in the city centre and nightlife areas. The National Police hopes that the fixed presence of specialised agents will deter pickpockets and reduce the number of complaints. Tourists, for their part, will benefit from quicker assistance in their own language, although they will no longer have the foreign agents from the mixed patrol.
'Operation Summer', which has served as the basis for this new service, has demonstrated its effectiveness with nearly 300 arrests in just two weeks. Of these, 90 were during nighttime, reflecting the intense criminal activity in the capital's nights. With the new group, the National Police aims to maintain that pace throughout the year.
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