A 17-year-old suspect was detained in the act of snatching a gold chain from a man in the Sant Joan Baptista neighbourhood of Sant Adrià de Besòs on Thursday 22nd October around 1:00 PM, according to witness accounts reported by Metrópoli Abierta.
The incident began when the young man, described as of North African origin and riding a scooter, approached the victim and pulled the chain from his neck. He then attempted to flee, but a relative of the victim witnessed the robbery from a nearby van and pursued him.
The chase ended near the underpass at the junction of Avinguda d'Eduard Maristany and Avinguda de la Platja, where neighbours intervened and held the suspect until officers from the Mossos d'Esquadra, Catalonia’s regional police, arrived to take him into custody.
Repeat Offender with Juvenile Record
According to local sources, the suspect is known to authorities and linked to a group responsible for violent robberies across Sant Adrià. He had recently been released from Can Llupià, the juvenile justice entry centre for individuals aged 14 to 18 operated by the Catalan Department of Justice and Democratic Quality.
"The most worrying thing is the sense of impunity these situations generate. We deserve peace, security, and respect," residents of Sant Adrià said, sharing images of the suspect on social media.
How to Report a Crime in Catalonia
Residents who witness or experience crime can report it directly to the Mossos d'Esquadra. Police stations across the region are listed on the official portal, which provides locations, contact details, and access routes. For urgent assistance, call emergency services immediately.
Those seeking to file a report or access personal data held in police records can do so through the online crime reporting system or by requesting a prior appointment for in-person procedures.
Sources: Metrópoli, Generalitat de Catalunya.
