Apple Store Rammed in Early-Hours Raid
Two vehicles were deliberately crashed into the Intecat Apple store at 419 Avinguda Diagonal in Barcelona during an early-hours ram-raid robbery on Thursday 22nd October 2026. According to police sources cited by Metrópoli, a group of six thieves used a black Mercedes and a grey Audi to break into the store and steal Apple products. The attack occurred in the early hours of the morning, with the criminals fleeing the scene with stolen goods. No injuries were reported at the scene, but the store sustained significant structural damage.
Vehicles Stolen Hours Before Attack
Investigations by the Mossos d'Esquadra, Catalonia's regional police force, indicate that the two vehicles used in the raid were likely stolen just hours earlier from a vehicle storage compound in Santa Perpètua de Mogoda. The compound, located near the junction of the AP-7, C-33, and C-58 motorways, holds thousands of cars prior to distribution. Police confirm that three passenger vehicles were taken from the site: two black Mercedes and the grey Audi later used in the attack. Authorities are reviewing surveillance footage and coordinating with local forces to track the suspects.
The modus operandi matches patterns seen in previous high-profile smash-and-grab raids across the metropolitan area.
Links to Organised Crime Patterns
The method used closely resembles tactics employed by organised groups such as the so-called 'Jaguar gang', known for targeting high-end retail outlets including jewellery stores, car dealerships, and Apple stores. According to reports, these groups conduct detailed reconnaissance, use lookouts ('aguadors'), and exploit knowledge of police patrol routines. A prior operation by the Mossos on 29 December 2025 dismantled two such networks responsible for over 80 crimes, recovering more than €500,000 in stolen goods and six vehicles. Despite those arrests, police warn that experienced, multirecidivist groups remain active. Residents and business owners in central Barcelona are advised to report any suspicious activity to the Mossos d'Esquadra crime report portal. The investigation remains ongoing.
Primary sources: Dep. Interior Generalitat Catalunya, mossos.gencat.cat. Reported by metropoliabierta.elespanol.com, catalan.news, Metrópoli Abierta - Urban Life.
