Warning: Pickpockets in Palma's King's Garden – Safety Tips for Tourists

Artisans in s’Hort del Rei warn of a group of pickpockets targeting cruise passengers heading toward the cathedral.

Merchants warn about pickpockets in s’Hort del Rei

On a sunny morning, strolling through Palma’s King’s Garden, you expect flowers, crafts, and the distant chimes of the cathedral. What visitors and even regulars are finding disturbing at the moment: market stalls report repeated pickpocketing directly along the paths toward the cathedral area.

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How the thieves operate

Several traders, who set up their tables daily between palm trees and old stone walls, tell overwhelmingly the same story: around 9:30 to 11:30, when the cruise passengers arrive from the harbor, groups appear that behave oddly, almost robotically. \"They cover the hand with a card or lay a jacket over the shoulder and grab,\" says a stall operator who has been painting for years and sells delicate ceramics. Often the victim notices the loss only later, when the wallet is gone or the phone is missing.

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Typical tactic: distraction, a light touch, a moment of inattention. Sometimes a spilled coffee plays a role, sometimes a curious tourist asking for directions. According to the traders, this is not about lone actors, but several people who apparently work together.

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Why cruise passengers are affected so often

From the harbour some days buses arrive with crowds who want to dash through the sights in a short time. The pace, the disorientation, and often pockets full of maps and cameras make them easy prey. \"They know exactly when the groups arrive,\" says a craftsman. \"They have their spots, they are wary, they don’t stay long.\"

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What traders and visitors are demanding

The market women and men are calling for visible police presence, better information materials at the docking points, and clear signage at the garden entrances. A notice with simple safety tips would already help, some say: keep your bag closed, carry valuables on your body, wear backpacks in front, and avoid keeping large sums of money visibly.

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A small tip from first-hand experience: Crossbody bags with zippers, a dummy wallet, or keeping the phone in the front pocket significantly reduce the chances of a quick grab.

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How the authorities are responding

When asked, local authorities say that checks in tourist areas regularly take place – at the same time, police emphasize how important personal behavior is. The traders still would like more visible patrols in the short and medium term, especially on days with many cruise passengers.

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Anyone walking through s’Hort del Rei this week might look more closely: the old benches, the scent of Calatrava’s flower stands, and the warnings from the sellers, who have learned to keep an eye on everything. No reason for panic, but a reason to zip the bag and stay alert — especially between 9 and 11 a.m. when groups flow from the harbor.