€6,000 watch snatched in Can Pastilla — tourist couple detains suspect

On a hotel terrace in Can Pastilla, a German tourist had a luxury watch worth €6,000 ripped from her wrist. The couple detained a suspect while an accomplice escaped with the loot.

Robbery on hotel terrace in Can Pastilla: €6,000 watch stolen

On Thursday afternoon, at around 2:30 p.m., a theft escalated on a busy terrace on Avenida de las Playas in Can Pastilla: a German holidaymaker reportedly had a luxury watch ripped from her arm at close range. Witnesses describe a quick, targeted pull and the ensuing confusion on the terrace — plates clattered, guests jumped up.

The couple responded immediately. Instead of running away, the two tourists lunged at the main perpetrator. A physical scuffle followed, during which all involved fell to the ground. A hotel employee rushed over and helped prevent the man from fleeing. Meanwhile, an accomplice took the opportunity: he grabbed the watch, got on an e-scooter and rode off in the direction of Playa de Palma.

Police response and ongoing search

A few minutes after the commotion, a local police patrol arrived. Officers took over the 31-year-old who had been held, initially recorded witness statements and reviewed the venue's surveillance footage. The man was brought before an investigative judge in the evening and is now in pretrial detention. The search for the accomplice continues.

The tourists, both from Germany, later required medical attention: abrasions and bruises, according to the brief description on site. The watch — estimated to be worth around €6,000 — remains missing. Police are asking anyone who observed unusual riding maneuvers on an e-scooter toward Playa de Palma between 2:20 and 2:40 p.m. to come forward.

Not isolated incidents this season

In Mallorca there are recurrent aggressive thefts, often in busy tourist areas. In recent months there have been several incidents using similar methods: quick grabs, distraction tricks or two-person teams where one distracts while the other takes the loot and flees — frequently on a scooter or e-scooter.

A brief final tip: anyone wearing jewelry should be especially careful in crowds. Small habits help — keep your watch under your sleeve, keep bags closed, don't leave valuables openly on the table. Police announced they will increase their presence on the promenades in the coming days.

Anyone who observed anything or can provide information about the fleeing rider can reach the Palma police station via the known number — or report anonymously to the Guardia.

I was in Can Pastilla myself yesterday — the wind was coming from the sea, the sun still glittered on the café tables, and yet the mood afterwards was subdued. It's shocking how quickly something like this can happen.