Brave passerby stops pickpocketing near Mercat de l’Olivar in Palma

Bystander with cellphone apparently prevents theft in Palma's city center

Late in the morning, the quiet promenade around the Mercat de l’Olivar briefly became the scene of a small incident that could have ended differently. An older couple strolled along the Carrer de Sant Miquel when apparently a duo of pickpockets approached. A witness intervened — not with violence, but with his cellphone camera and loud shouting.

What exactly happened

According to residents and passersby, the whole affair happened on a sunny Wednesday morning around 10:20 a.m. The observer stood out because he suddenly shouted "Pickpocket, be careful!" and simultaneously filmed. The woman from the suspected duo disappeared immediately into the crowd. The other person remained standing and was confronted by the man — short heated words, a lot of whispered chatter and curious glances from cafes and shops.

The man with the camera stayed calm, kept filming, and apparently raised the risk for the couple and the surrounding area. Some tourists later clapped almost with relief, according to people who happened to be shopping nearby. The elderly vacationers themselves seemed visibly surprised but unharmed.

No immediate police presence

Interesting and somewhat frustrating: While the scene was unfolding, there was no official presence to be seen. Residents said they hadn't noticed any police patrols. Whether a report was filed is unclear — the participants went their separate ways. Such incidents leave many with the impression that in the city it's better to show your bag than to hide it.

Practical tip from a local: Keep money and cards in a locked inner pocket, avoid keeping the phone in the back pocket, and if someone gets unusually close, speaking out loud helps more often than you think. This time it apparently worked. Whether the recordings will later be useful for investigations remains to be seen.

Many residents repeatedly call for more police presence in tourist areas, while others rely on neighborly spirit and civil courage. In Palma, between the Cathedral and the Born district, caution has almost become part of the cityscape — unfortunately.