Tourists visiting Mallorca, a popular Spanish summer destination, are increasingly falling victim to pickpockets, with multiple viral videos surfacing that appear to show individuals being targeted. The incidents have been reported near Palma, the island's capital.
One video shared by the Mallorca Daily Bulletin shows a group of young people approaching an elderly couple, with one individual appearing to remove items from the man's pocket while he was distracted. Another clip depicts two young men allegedly stealing a wallet from an elderly woman's bag near the Palma Cathedral. Mallorca, along with Ibiza and Menorca, is one of Spain's most frequented Mediterranean tourist spots and has been contending with the challenges of overtourism. In 2025, the island welcomed approximately 13.5 million visitors, a significant number for an island roughly 1,400 square miles in size.
Angel Castellanos, a California-based travel expert, noted that older travelers are not exclusively targeted. Instead, criminals often look for individuals who appear distracted, laden with shopping bags, unfamiliar with their surroundings, or less physically able to react quickly. He also mentioned that intoxication can lower situational awareness, particularly in nightlife areas.
Castellanos attributed the rise in pickpocketing incidents partly to the rebound of international tourism exceeding pre-pandemic levels across Europe. He shared that maintaining awareness of one's surroundings has been key to his own successful travels, even in busy urban environments. He advises travelers to remain vigilant about their valuables, even while enjoying a destination.
To mitigate risks, Castellanos recommends using anti-theft bags, zippered front pockets, and avoiding leaving phones on café tables. He emphasized that situational awareness is crucial for travelers. Despite these incidents, Castellanos encourages visitors not to be deterred from traveling to Mallorca, suggesting that the key is to "travel smarter."