Nighttime Assault at Playa de Palma: Phone Tracking Leads to Arrest

Two German tourists were attacked at night at Playa de Palma. Thanks to a mobile phone location feature, police were able to arrest the suspect shortly afterwards.

Nighttime assault at Playa de Palma in the early morning hours

It was shortly after 1 a.m. when two German tourists between beach premises five and six at Playa de Palma were attacked by a man. One of the two later reported that he was grabbed from behind and that an attempt was made to pull a golden necklace from his neck. Fortunately the chain held, but a scuffle ensued—and apparently a mobile phone disappeared as well.

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Phone tracking brings the turning point

What helped quickly here: the phone's location feature. One of the affected persons noticed after the incident that his phone was missing and immediately shared the location data. The National Police tracked the signal and searched the area together with one of the victims. In a side street not far from the Ballermann, the officers finally found him: a man had hidden himself in a shrubbery.

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During the check the police found the stolen phone and arrested the suspect. The alleged offender, according to authorities, is a man of Senegalese origin and is now charged with attempted robbery and theft. The phone could be returned to its owner. There were no injuries according to initial information — however the tourists were visibly shaken.

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What locals and tourists say

The next day locals and guests discussed it in cafés along the Passeig. A waiter who did not witness the morning scene live but had noticed the police on the beach said that such an incident makes people nervous. Others said it is important not to wear valuables openly at night and to have location-tracking features activated — a piece of advice many here now follow.

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The police emphasize that quick reporting and precise information made the difference. Cases like this remind people to stay alert — especially on well-visited beaches and around Ballermann, when the streets are late and the lights are still burning. For tourists: keep valuables close to the body, use night buses and taxis, and report any loss to the police immediately.

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The investigations continue.