\n\n

Brazen pickpockets prey on vulnerable tourists as vacation island is swarmed by millions

As tourists descend on one of Spain’s most popular summer destinations, the familiar problem of pickpocketing has emerged.

Multiple viral videos appear to show tourists being targeted by pickpockets in Mallorca, Spain’s largest Balearic Island.

The incidents occurred near Palma, the capital of Mallorca, according to the Majorca Daily Bulletin.

US UPDATES TRAVEL WARNING FOR QUAKE-HIT NATION, CITING DISASTER RISKS AND VIOLENT CRIME

In one video recently published by the Mallorca Daily Bulletin, a group of young pickpockets targeted an elderly couple.

In the footage, an older man is seen standing and looking in one direction as the group of young people walks close to him and appears to remove items from his pocket. He was seemingly unaware it was happening.

Another video shows two young men appearing to steal a wallet out of an elderly woman’s bag as she walked near Palma Cathedral.

Along with Ibiza and Menorca, Mallorca is one of Spain’s most popular Mediterranean destinations — and it’s been struggling with overtourism.

US TRAVELERS WARNED AFTER DEADLY RIDES AND SEXUAL ASSAULTS TIED TO BEACH VENDORS

The island received around 13.5 million visitors in 2025, Fox News Digital previously reported — a large number for an island that measures roughly 1,400 square miles, slightly smaller than Rhode Island.

Older travelers aren’t targeted simply because of their age, said Angel Castellanos, a California-based travel expert and host of “The Tour Guy” on YouTube.

“Criminals tend to look for people who appear distracted, overloaded with shopping bags, unfamiliar with their surroundings or less able to react quickly,” Castellanos told Fox News Digital.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER

“The same can be true of travelers who are intoxicated, particularly in nightlife districts where situational awareness is lower.”

He said that the prevalence of pickpocketing can be attributed, in part, to international tourism rebounding beyond pre-pandemic levels across much of Europe.

Castellanos, who says he’s visited over 100 countries, has traveled extensively without being pickpocketed, he said. Staying aware of his surroundings has been key, he related.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE LIFESTYLE NEWS

“It’s because I treat busy tourist areas the same way I would any major city: I enjoy the destination, but I never stop paying attention to where my valuables are,” he said.

He cited anti-theft cross-body bags and zippered front pockets as crucial ways travelers can protect themselves from pickpockets. He also recommended avoiding placing phones on café tables.

Castellanos added that a little situational awareness “goes a long way.”

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ

“Travelers shouldn’t let headlines discourage them from visiting Mallorca,” he added. “It’s one of Europe’s great summer destinations.”

Jessica Mekles of Fox News Digital contributed reporting.

Related Posts

Judge blocks Trump’s Postal Service regulation on mail-in ballots

The judge said the regulation is most likely unlawful because the president can’t insert the federal government into elections without Congress’ approval.

Judge blocks Trump’s Postal Service regulation on mail-in ballots

The judge said the regulation is most likely unlawful because the president can’t insert the federal government into elections without Congress’ approval.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

You Missed

Israel closes probe into Gaza strike that killed British workers

Israel closes probe into Gaza strike that killed British workers

Aid chief says US-backed Board of Peace is ‘failing’ Gaza

Aid chief says US-backed Board of Peace is ‘failing’ Gaza

DOJ in court to defend Kennedy Center Board’s new push to add Trump’s name to building

DOJ in court to defend Kennedy Center Board’s new push to add Trump’s name to building

Why some jurors in Lindsay Clancy trial won’t participate in deliberations

Why some jurors in Lindsay Clancy trial won’t participate in deliberations

Norway’s King Harald V has died at the age of 89 | BBC News

Norway’s King Harald V has died at the age of 89 | BBC News

Yankee fans get politically deep with ‘Jesse Watters Primetime’

Yankee fans get politically deep with ‘Jesse Watters Primetime’