During the operation which started at eight in the evening, police prevented people entering or leaving the complex. They were looking for a gang of pickpockets responsible for a wave of thefts. Tourists, mainly German, had reported the loss of wallets, phones and other items. The rise in thefts would appear to have coincided with the taking-on of new security personnel. The police believe that some security guards have been aiding the pickpockets and that there will have been more thefts than the 120 that have been reported.
There was a second aspect to the raid. This involved employment ministry inspectors. They checked the status of some 150 employees at Bierkönig. Documentation provided is now being assessed for potential irregularities.
The official police statement about the operation said that it was to check on possible criminal infractions of the rights of employees, to inspect private security and to control "the quantity of thefts which have occurred at this complex".
After the operation was concluded, officers conducted another - twenty "prostitutes" were intercepted. Arenal has the same issues as Magalluf in this regard.
10 comments
To be able to write a comment, you have to be registered and logged in
Arent the Police/authorities not missing a trick by ignoring much/all of the excellent intelligence /information offered by posters to this website. You cant beat info from people on the "ground"
Ok
Forgot to say --The " Dippers " usually have very long, filed to a point, fingernails. Which assist their picking grip.
Only 4 days now to our holiday in Crete, and it is cheaper by £300 than our holidays spent on Mallorca for the last 12 years. Going to a friendly island that welcomes holidaymakers. Ta Ta!
Spotted a sign in Alcudia (there might be more) at the back of beyond where few will see, warning against pickpockets.....in Catalan!? Stupid doesn't do it justice. Wrong location(s) wrong language. The cartoonish picture is obvious though, but hey, so is the dog poop sign and there's poop everywhere.
Majorca Daily Bulletin - you are STILL reporting these thieves as PXXXXXXXXXXX. When will everyone in authority wake up? When will Europe wake up?
I expect Nina Parron will say the pickpockets must be treated with compassion?
With prime areas of pickpockets going on, perhaps put up CCTV and staff it, just like other prime hotspots. Arrests could be made with video evidence, and it may also deter the crime gangs from entering these areas. As these gangs mainly go for tourists, perhaps use tourist tax to fund this. Also put undercover police on the ground to assist the CCTV for arrests. As I understand, it works in London's hotspots, so why not here. Plus put signs up advertising the CCTV for all to see. Genuine people would have nothing to worry about, as it will be for their safety.
It's a great start but it needs to be kept up with financial and political support all the way.
Pickpockets operate the Bus queues , and Bus journeys from Magaluf, Palma Nova to Palma. I have witnessed the " Dippers " on the Bus taking purses on the top of ladies shopping bags. The Dipper passes the purse immediately to a runner, who gets off the Bus at the next stop. The long cloak "Dipper " trawls along Bus Queues wrapping his long cloak over the persons bag etc., as they move forward to join the Bus, at the Stop. Plain clothes policia need to patrol in these areas where they operate.