Watch theft in Majorca shocks tourists

A British holidaymaker in Cala Egos, Majorca, was robbed of a £35,000 Rolex in front of his wife and child after a restaurant visit.

British tourist robbed of £35,000 Rolex by masked thieves in Majorca

Three masked men robbed a 44-year-old British tourist in Cala Egos, near Port d’Andratx, late on a Friday night after his family dinner. Two attackers restrained him while a third wrested the Rolex from his wrist, then the trio fled in a waiting vehicle. Police arrived within minutes after a 999 call but made no arrests. The incident adds to a pattern of high-value watch thefts aimed at holidaymakers across the Balearic Islands.

Investigators say the victim had been targeted after being watched by the gang, which selected a moment when he and his party were least able to defend themselves. The case ties into other recent robberies in the region, including a separate incident in Palma where a group of criminals targeted luxury watches. Police have recovered several watches in related investigations, suggesting the rings operate across multiple resorts while seeking visibility and quick gains.

The episode highlights a persistent risk for visitors in popular resort towns where luxury goods are visible. Criminal networks have long used high-value watches to attract quick, high-stakes thefts, and the Balearic pattern has drawn attention from investigators and tourism officials. Past reporting notes that many groups have origins in Naples with broader participation from North Africa and Eastern Europe, pointing to transnational links that complicate policing.

Security officials face a balancing act: preserving a welcoming atmosphere while deterring crime through visible policing, better lighting, and camera coverage. For travelers, the incident reinforces practical advice to minimize flashing valuables and stay in well-lit areas, especially after dark. It also underscores the need for local businesses to cooperate with police and share information about suspicious activity to protect the visitor economy.

Highlights

Safety is a shared obligation behind every welcoming stay.