Pickpocket Gangs Target Tourists in Mallorca as Summer Travel Season Begins
As the summer tourism season kicks off, Mallorca, Spain, is witnessing a surge in pickpocketing incidents targeting tourists, particularly in Palma, the island's bustling capital. Viral videos circulating on social media show groups of young pickpockets surrounding elderly tourists and stealing valuables without their awareness. One clip captures a group covertly removing items from an elderly man's pockets, while another shows two young men stealing a wallet from an elderly woman near Palma Cathedral.
Mallorca, part of Spain's Balearic Islands alongside Ibiza and Menorca, faces challenges from overtourism, having hosted approximately 13.5 million visitors in 2025 on its 1,400 square mile area. The entire Balearic archipelago welcomed over 19 million tourists last year, with Mallorca bearing the brunt of the influx.
Travel expert Angel Castellanos from California, who runs the popular YouTube channel "The Tour Guy," explains that pickpockets do not necessarily target the elderly because of age but rather those who appear distracted, burdened with shopping bags, unfamiliar with their surroundings, or less able to react quickly. He notes that intoxicated tourists in nightlife areas are also vulnerable due to reduced situational awareness. Castellanos attributes the rise in pickpocketing to the sharp rebound in international jet travel across Europe, surpassing pre-pandemic levels.
Having traveled to over 100 countries without falling victim to theft, Castellanos emphasizes constant vigilance as key to safety. He advises tourists to use anti-theft crossbody bags, keep valuables in front zippered pockets, and avoid placing mobile phones on café or restaurant tables. He concludes by encouraging travelers not to avoid visiting Mallorca but to explore it more cautiously, highlighting that a little environmental awareness can significantly reduce risks. Mallorca remains one of Europe's premier summer destinations despite these security concerns.
