Barcelona police have arrested a 29-year-old man suspected of robbing elderly women in Sant Andreu. The Mossos d'Esquadra detained him on 7 June after investigating two home invasions in May.
According to police, the suspect targeted women living alone, some with mobility issues. He entered homes in the early hours, used intimidation to steal money and jewellery, and relied on a mobile phone translator to speak with victims during the robberies.
The investigation began after two incidents in Sant Andreu showed a similar pattern. On 10 May, an 84-year-old woman was robbed at home. Police say the offender climbed the building, forced entry with tools, took €1,900 in cash and several pieces of jewellery, and used a kitchen cloth to avoid leaving fingerprints.
A second robbery took place on 19 May, also in the early hours and in Sant Andreu. In that case, the suspect removed a window grille to get into the home of a 72-year-old woman. Police say he again used a translator app, asked for a backpack to carry the stolen items, and left with €280 in cash and more jewellery.
Detectives from the Mossos d'Esquadra Investigation Unit in Sant Andreu, along with the Citizen Security Unit of El Prat de Llobregat, identified the suspect. Police say photographic recognition by the victims helped confirm his identity, and he was arrested on 7 June.
The man appeared before judicial authorities on 8 June. He faces charges of robbery with force and damage to homes. Police also say he has several previous records for aggravated robberies in 2026, linked to cases in Badalona and Barcelona's Sant Martí and Sants districts.
Sant Andreu, in north-east Barcelona, has more than 150,000 residents and includes neighbourhoods such as Sant Andreu de Palomar and La Sagrera. For local readers following crime and public safety in the city, see our coverage of community issues and sport in Barcelona.
Originally published by Metrópoli Abierta - Urban Life. Read original article.
