Man Detained for Stealing Suitcases on High-Speed Trains

Arrest Made After Theft on AVE Service

The Mossos d'Esquadra, Catalonia's regional police, have detained a 38-year-old man suspected of stealing suitcases from passengers on high-speed AVE trains travelling between Barcelona Sants and Camp de Tarragona. The incident unfolded on 18 August when security guards at Tarragona’s regional and medium-distance train station detained the man after he arrived by taxi from the nearby Camp de Tarragona AVE station, where high-speed trains stop. According to police, the suspect boarded an AVE train in Barcelona and took advantage of passengers’ inattention to remove two suitcases before disembarking at Camp de Tarragona.

Attempted Return to Barcelona Foiled

After the theft, the man took a taxi to central Tarragona’s train station, intending to return to Barcelona on a regional train. Security staff became suspicious and held him until police arrived. Officers recovered the stolen luggage and were able to identify the two victims, both men travelling from Barcelona to Valencia and Murcia respectively.

The Mossos have returned the belongings to the rightful owners.

The suspect was processed by the Urban Crime Unit at Tarragona’s police headquarters and was placed at judicial disposal the following day.

Police Safety Reminder

In light of the incident, the Mossos have reminded travellers to keep personal belongings in sight at all times and to clearly identify luggage. Passengers are urged to report any suspicious activity to train staff or law enforcement immediately.

Primary sources: ${rpb.dspace.name}. Reported by radiociutat.com, lavanguardia.com, Germán González, diarimes.com, Tarragona Ràdio, barna.news, Orsolya Gazdagi, Diari de Tarragona, diaridetarragona.com, La Ciutat, Tarragona21, Gabriel González Barcelona, elmundo.es, Tarragona Digital, Ràdio Ciutat de Tarragona.