Mounted patrols traverse the centre of Palma and tourist areas daily to prevent theft and bring the police closer to residents and visitors.
The Palma Mounted Police Unit has intensified its daily patrols in areas with high foot traffic, aiming to prevent crimes such as theft and pickpocketing. Mounted officers have become a common sight on streets like Passeig Mallorca, Las Ramblas, or near the Rotger clinic, where their presence does not go unnoticed.
The height provided by the horse gives officers a wide field of vision over busy squares and streets, facilitating the detection of suspicious behaviour and allowing for quick intervention. Their deterrent effect is key to preventing hundreds of thefts, especially during peak season when tourist numbers increase.
The service combines police functions with ceremonial roles. Officers participate in events such as processions, the Three Kings Parade, or receptions for authorities, dressed in formal or gala uniforms depending on the occasion. However, their main mission is the surveillance and prevention of crimes in areas such as La Seu, Platja de Palma, Passeig Marítim, and the entire old town, as well as Castell de Bellver, where pickpockets tend to concentrate in summer.
The unit, established in September 1875 by the Palma City Council, has over 150 years of history. Its ability to navigate pedestrian zones and maintain high visibility makes it an effective resource for public safety and direct contact with the community.
During patrols, many citizens approach the officers to ask for information or simply to greet them. Children, in particular, watch with enthusiasm as the horses pass by and do not hesitate to take photographs. This closeness reinforces the sense of calm that mounted units convey to both residents and visitors.
Thus, Palma's Mounted Police maintains its role as a key tool for crime prevention and improving coexistence on the city's streets.
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