Three Off-Duty Police Officers Stop Handbag Theft in Palma

Rapid help in Palma: handbag theft thwarted

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Late Saturday evening, around 17:30, a tourist in the old town of Palma became a victim of an attempted pickpocket. Three police officers who were off duty and in plain clothes noticed the scene on Calle Sant Miquel, just a few steps from Plaza Mayor.

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Brief scuffle, quick reaction

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The attacker apparently tried to snatch the woman's handbag. When the tourist resisted, there was a scuffle; she briefly fell to the ground. The three men reacted immediately. They intervened, held the assailant, and called for a patrol. Several bystanders stopped, some helped to calm the situation.

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The man was detained on the spot until a regular police patrol arrived. The woman retrieved her belongings. According to eyewitnesses, she was visibly shaken but unharmed – more a shock than physical injuries.

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What residents and tourists say

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"I was on my way home when I saw the three of them," says a nearby cafe owner who wished to remain anonymous. "They acted very calmly and professionally, even though they were not in uniform." Another passerby added that there are repeated pickpocket incidents in the area, especially during peak times when many people are out and about.

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The officers of the regular patrol took custody of the suspect. After an initial check, he was temporarily detained. Details, such as identity or possible prior offenses, were not released by the police at this time.

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Tips for visitors: How to protect your belongings

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Such incidents remind us to stay vigilant. Small protective measures help: keep your bag closed and carry it in front, do not display valuables openly on the beach or in pedestrian zones, and watch for crowds. Simple things, but often neglected.

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The quick reaction of the three off-duty police officers prevented the incident from turning into a more serious crime. For those affected, the experience remains unpleasant – for the neighborhood, it’s a small relief that such professional intervention occurred.