Thieves caught red-handed during Mercè festivities
Three suspects were apprehended by off-duty officers from the Guàrdia Urbana de Barcelona’s Beach Section shortly after robbing a pedestrian at 8:10 p.m. on 25 September in Barceloneta, during the city’s annual Mercè festivities. The victim, a tourist, had a luxury Jaeger-LeCoultre watch ripped from his wrist while walking along Passeig de Joan de Borbó in the Ciutat Vella district. The off-duty officers, who had just finished their shift, witnessed bystanders chasing the suspects and immediately intervened. They identified themselves as police and launched a foot pursuit, aided by witnesses who pointed out the direction the thieves had taken.
The swift action of bystanders helped us catch them quickly.
During a search of the suspects, officers recovered the stolen watch, valued at €3,000, which the victim positively identified as his. The three men, all of Algerian origin, were arrested on suspicion of violent robbery and taken into police custody.
Beach Unit remains active through end of September
The intervention was carried out by members of the City Police Beach Unit, a seasonal force established to patrol Barcelona’s ten beaches and enhance security in high-traffic areas during peak months. The unit, which operates until the end of September, forms part of Operation Summer and is active in coordination with the Mossos d’Esquadra and other municipal services. This year’s Mercè security operation includes coordinated efforts by the Guàrdia Urbana, Mossos d’Esquadra, Port Police, and Civil Protection services to ensure public safety and coexistence during the celebrations. The Beach Unit has previously made numerous arrests for petty theft and unauthorised vending, recovering significant stolen goods in past operations. Residents and visitors can report incidents or seek assistance via the Guàrdia Urbana’s official website.
Primary sources: Barcelona City Council, ajuntament.barcelona.cat, Ayuntamiento de Barcelona. Reported by elcaso.elnacional.cat, El Caso (El Nacional).
