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Pickpockets in Mallorca

We have collated the following information for you on this page: ✔︎ High-risk areas in Mallorca ✔︎Opportunistic pickpocketing and how to protect yourself ✔︎More elaborate scams and how to avoid them ✔︎Who is most at risk of being targeted? ✔︎How to avoid being targeted ✔︎How to prepare for your holiday: damage limitation in case something happens ✔︎What to do if you become a victim in Mallorca ✔︎Emergency contacts

High-Risk Areas in Mallorca

Pickpockets thrive in “high-distraction” zones. Be extra vigilant in the following locations, but make sure to pay close attention to your belongings in any crowded area.

• Palma City Centre: Specifically, the narrow streets around Palma Cathedral (La Seu), the Plaza Mayor, and the Passeig del Born.
• Busy tourist towns and other areas popular with tourists, especially during high season, when places can get crowded.
• Public transport: Buses in Palma and in many of the favourite tourist resorts can get very busy at times. A perfect hunting ground for pickpockets!
• The Intermodal train station in Palma and crowded bus stops all across the island.
• The airport: e.g., arrivals, baggage reclaim, or the bus/taxi queues at Palma de Mallorca Airport.
• Markets: Crowded weekly markets that are being held all across the island.
• Beach promenades: E.g. busy walkways in S’Arenal, Magaluf, Playa de Palma, and other busy tourist areas.

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Opportunistic Pickpocketing

Thieves in Mallorca rarely use force; they use distraction. By far the most common technique you will encounter in tourist areas across Mallorca is opportunistic pickpocketing.

While there are some famous scams like the “Bird Poo” trick, the “Ticket Machine Helper” and others (see below), these are highly specific performances. Simple pickpocketing is far more frequent because it is “low-effort” and requires no complex setup; they just have to wait for an opportune moment when you are distracted or physically crowded.

Pickpockets don’t necessarily need a specific setup; they just need a crowded bus, a busy market, or a queue at a popular site. They blend in perfectly with other tourists. They exploit the natural state of a holidaymaker: you may be distracted by the scenery, navigating new transport systems, or simply letting your guard down a bit more than you would at home – after all, you are on holiday!

In high-traffic spots like the Palma Cathedral, or the beach promenades, thousands of tourists walk by every hour. Even if only one in a hundred is careless with their bag, the volume makes it a lucrative “business” for the thieves.

How it works

Unlike some more elaborate scams, the standard pickpocket technique is a simple three-step process:

1. Selection: The thief scouts a “mark”: someone with a backpack on their back, a phone sticking out of a pocket, or a bag that is left unzipped.
2. Distraction: The thief creates a minor, non-threatening disruption. This is often physical contact. They “accidentally” bump into you on an escalator or lean against you in a crowded bus. Sometimes, they may ask a question (“Do you have the time?”, “Where is the beach?”).
3. The “hit”: The moment they make contact, your brain focuses on the “bump” or the “question.” While you are distracted, their hand enters your bag or pocket. This only takes a few seconds, and the thief will be walking away before you notice that anything has happened.

CLICK HERE to find out how to avoid becoming an easy target for opportunistic pickpockets

• Eliminate the “easy pickings”: Pickpockets scout for targets who make their job effortless. Never wear a rucksack on your back in a crowd; keep it on your front where you can see it. Never leave your bag unzipped, and never keep your phone or wallet in an accessible back pocket. By simply removing these easy targets, you will likely be ignored in favour of someone less cautious.
• Protect your “blind spots”: When you are in a high-traffic area, keep your hands on your bag or your pockets. Don’t hold your phone in your hand, but keep it tucked away. If you feel an “accidental” touch or bump, immediately check your secure pockets or bag to ensure everything is where it should be.
• Stay alert in “bottleneck” areas: Escalators, bus doors, and crowded shop entrances are prime locations for pickpockets. These areas create a natural “squeeze” where physical contact is expected. Whenever you are in one of these bottlenecks, hold on tightly to your bag or rucksack and keep your focus on the people immediately around you rather than on your surroundings.

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More Elaborate Scams

Some pickpockets can get very creative when it comes to stealing your money or valuables. To help you stay one step ahead, it’s useful to pull back the curtain on how these “performances” actually work.

The “Sandwich” Technique

The “Sandwich” technique is a classic piece of “street theatre” that is really just a slightly more elaborate version of the basic distraction technique we described above. It relies on the physical environment, like one of Mallorca’s busy bus stops, a crowded area in Palma’s Old Town, a busy market, etc. This is a team-based operation involving at least two people: The “Staller” (in front) and the “Mechanic” (behind).

How it works

• The setup: You are in a “bottleneck” area, such as boarding a crowded bus, stepping onto an escalator, or waiting at the traffic lights to cross a busy street. You feel like you’re just part of a normal, impatient crowd.
• The distraction: As you are moving forward, the person directly in front of you (the Staller) suddenly stops. They might “drop” their keys or simply stumble. Because you are moving, you naturally bump into their back. At the exact moment you bump into the person in front, the person behind you (the Mechanic) “accidentally” bumps into your back. They might even apologise or seem frustrated with the delay, too.
• The “hit”: While you are sandwiched between them and your brain is focused on the person in front who caused the “accident,” the person behind is reaching into your back pocket or unzipping your backpack. You don’t feel their hand because your body is already expecting the physical pressure of being “squashed” in a crowd. Within seconds, the Mechanic has your phone or wallet. They often immediately hand the stolen item to a third accomplice who walks away in a different direction. So even if you realise something is wrong, the person who “bumped” you has nothing on them.

CLICK HERE for some techniques that can help you avoid being caught out by the “sandwich” scam.

• The “step-aside”: If you feel people crowding you too closely from both sides, simply stop and step to the side to “let them pass.” A real traveller will walk past you; a pickpocket team will suddenly lose interest or look confused because their “set-up” is ruined.
• The hand-check: If the “step-aside” technique is not possible, e.g. when boarding a bus or train, keep one hand firmly on your wallet (if it’s in a front pocket) or hold your bag against your chest.
• The “gap” strategy: On escalators, try to leave at least two steps of space between you and the person in front. If someone tries to stand right behind you when there is plenty of other space, be immediately alert.

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The “Bird Poo/Spill” trick

This is a well-known technique that is used in many different countries. It is often called the “Wipe-Down” or “Bird Dropping” scam. It is one of the most effective because it exploits two powerful human instincts: the “yuck” factor and the desire to be polite to someone helping you.

How it works

• The setup: You are walking down a street or sitting on a bench. Suddenly, you feel something wet hit your shoulder, back, or hair. A stranger (the “Good Samaritan”) rushes over, pointing at you and shouting something like“¡Pájaro!” (Bird!) or “Look, bird poo!”. The substance is rarely actual bird droppings. It is usually a mixture of mustard, white paint, or even chewed-up biscuits and water squirted from a hidden bottle.
• The distraction: While you are busy trying to see the “mess”, the Samaritan is already outfitting you with tissues or wet wipes. They start “helping” you clean up by wiping your jacket or patting your shoulders.
• The “hit”: As they “scrub” the fake stain, they are actually feeling your pockets. They may even help you take your jacket off to “clean it better.” While you are focused on the stain, their hands (or an accomplice’s hands) are sliding into your pockets or the bag you may have put on the ground to deal with the mess. Because they are “helping” you clean, you don’t interpret their touch as a threat. They walk away with your wallet, phone, or high-value jewellery (like a necklace they unclipped while “wiping” your neck). You are left grateful for their help, until you realise a little later that your valuables are gone.

CLICK HERE for tips on how to avoid being caught out by the Bird Poo scam

• Don’t allow the scammers to use the moment of surprise: If something hits you, your first instinct should be to move away from anyone nearby.
• The “no-touch” rule: If a stranger approaches with tissues, say “No, thanks” or“no, gracias” firmly and keep walking. Do not let them touch your clothes or help you remove your jacket.
• Find a “safe space”: Walk into a nearby café, hotel lobby, or public restroom to clean yourself up. Never clean it on the pavement where you are vulnerable.

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The “Loving Hug”

This is another commonly used scam, where the criminal uses extreme, simulated physical affection to steal high-value jewellery, watches, or wallets.

How it works

• The setup: You are walking through a busy tourist area (e.g., near the Cathedral or along a beach promenade). A stranger approaches you, acting as if they are a long-lost friend or a very jovial, possibly intoxicated tourist. They are typically warm, loud, and full of energy.
• The distraction: They initiate a “loving hug”. They may wrap their arms around you, slap you on the back, or try to “dance” with you. The physical contact is intense and deliberately overwhelming, designed to confuse your personal space boundaries and make you feel flustered or embarrassed.
• The “hit”: While you are caught up in this aggressive display of affection, the scammer’s hands are working with precision. They will unclip your necklace, slip your watch off your wrist, or reach into your trouser pockets. Because they are holding you close, your brain interprets the movement as part of the “hug” rather than a theft. By the time they pull away and wish you a “lovely day,” your valuables are already gone.

CLICK HERE to find out how to avoid being caught out

The “Loving Hug” scam is particularly effective because it weaponises social norms; it feels rude to reject someone who is acting like your best friend, even if it is a complete stranger. To avoid being caught out, you must be prepared to override your natural politeness. To protect yourself, it is important to identify the early warning signs and enforce a strict boundary before the physical contact ever begins.

• Identify the “over-friendly” red flag: This is the most crucial step. If a stranger approaches you with an intense, overly familiar energy, laughing loudly, dancing, or trying to initiate immediate physical contact, do not wait to see what they want. Your alarm bells should be ringing the moment they enter your “intimate space” (within one metre).
• Adopt the “no-touch” stance: If someone rushes towards you with open arms, do not be afraid to physically “post” them away. Keep your hands up and out in front of you—this is a universal gesture that clearly says, “Do not come any closer.” You do not need to be aggressive, but you must be firm and uncompromising.
• Use your voice as a barrier: A loud, confident “No!” or “Don’t touch me!” is often enough to end the scam immediately. Scammers rely on your shock and silence to keep the “performance” going. By speaking clearly and loudly, you draw the attention of others around you, which is the last thing a pickpocket wants.
• The “pivot and depart”: If you feel someone is closing in on you, do not just stand your ground, pivot and walk in the opposite direction. By changing your trajectory and moving away from them, you disrupt their attempt to initiate the hug. If they follow you, you know for certain that your safety is at risk, and you should move immediately towards a crowded café, a shop, or a police officer.
• Trust your gut: If a stranger’s behaviour feels “off” or “too much,” it almost certainly is. You do not need a logical reason to avoid someone. If you feel uncomfortable, it is better to walk away and be considered “rude” than to stay and lose your belongings.

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The “Photo Opportunity” Scam

This scam uses a common situation: You are in a beautiful location or next to a famous sight, and you would like to have your photo taken. The scammer makes the most of this and turns a social favour into the opportunity to create a blind spot for your rucksack.

How it works

• The setup: You are visiting a popular landmark or viewpoint in Mallorca and looking at your camera or phone. A friendly stranger, who often looks like a fellow tourist (the Photographer), approaches and offers, “Would you like me to take a picture of you?” They appear perfectly helpful and harmless.
• The distraction: You agree and hand them your phone or camera. The Photographer will capture your attention: they will spend a moment “framing” the shot and talking to you, perhaps asking you to “move a little to the left” or “smile more,” all to ensure that your focus remains in front of you.
• The “hit”: While you are posing for the Photographer, their accomplice (the Snatcher) walks past behind you. Because the Photographer has kept you distracted and looking at the camera, you are completely unaware of the person walking directly behind you. The Snatcher opens the zip of your rucksack and extracts your purse or wallet, tablet, or other valuables. Once the “photo” is finished, the Photographer hands your device back, and they both quickly disappear into the crowd.

CLICK HERE to see how to avoid becoming a victim of the “photo opportunity” scam

• Decline offers from strangers: If a stranger approaches you offering to take your photograph, politely but firmly decline. A simple, “No thank you, we’re fine,” while continuing to walk, is all that is required. Remember, you are under no obligation to accept help from someone you do not know.
• Choose your own photographer: If you really want to have your picture taken, ask another tourist who is clearly part of a family group or an elderly couple, people who are unlikely to be part of a criminal syndicate.
• Keep your rucksack to the front: Before you start any activity that requires you to stop and be distracted, such as posing for a photo, checking a map, or stopping to admire a shop window, ensure your rucksack is moved from your back to your front. If you are wearing it on your back, you are vulnerable; if it is on your front, it is under your constant supervision.

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The “Ticket Machine Helper”

Ticket machines are a great place for pickpockets and scammers for two reasons: They can be confusing for tourists to operate, and they usually involve you getting your wallet, your bank card or your cash out. This is a high-stakes theft where the criminal wants your physical card and the PIN number, so they can use it immediately at an ATM.

How it works

• The setup: You are at a ticket machine (e.g. at the airport or train station) struggling with the instructions. A “helpful local” or “fellow traveller” stands very close, offering to explain or show you which button to press. As you reach the payment screen, the helper stays right next to you. While appearing to point at the screen, they are actually looking down at the keypad to memorise your PIN as you type it.
• The distraction: Now they have your PIN, but they still need your card. Once you have returned this to your pocket, bag or rucksack, a second person (the accomplice) will create a distraction, e.g. dropping coins in front of you or bumping into you.
• The “hit”: In that short moment of confusion, the “helper” uses a sleight-of-hand move to steal your card. They now have both your card and your PIN. They will head straight to the nearest ATM to withdraw the maximum limit before you even realise your card is missing.

CLICK HERE on how to beat the “Ticket Machine Helper” scam

• Declare a “no-go” zone: If someone steps into your immediate space while you are using a ticket machine, stop what you are doing immediately. If they persist, walk away. A genuine fellow traveller will respect your space; a scammer will try to close the distance.
• Shield your PIN: Always cover the keypad with your spare hand or your body while entering your PIN. If you cannot shield the pad, do not enter your PIN.
• Refuse “assistance”: If a stranger approaches you, even if they look like a fellow tourist or appear to be wearing a staff lanyard, politely but firmly decline their help.
• Don’t be drawn into the distraction: If someone drops coins near you, bumps into you, or starts a conversation immediately after you finish your transaction, do not engage. This is the classic “hit” phase. Keep moving, keep your hands on your pockets, and head straight to your train or bus.
• Trust your instincts: If a machine seems unusually slow or “broken” in a way that requires you to interact with a stranger to resolve it, walk away. Use a different machine or head to the official ticket counter, even if there is a queue.
• The golden rule of ticket machines: If you aren’t sure how to use the machine, don’t look for help from strangers. Instead, look for a member of staff in a proper uniform or visit the ticket office. If there is no staff around, it is far safer to miss one train than to lose your bank card and PIN.

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The “Clipboard” or “Map” Scam

In both the “Clipboard” and “Map” scams, the item acts as a physical shield to facilitate pickpocketing. The goal is to create a controlled environment where your vision is obstructed and your personal space is violated, allowing the perpetrator to access your belongings without you noticing.

How it works

• The setup: A scammer approaches you with a clipboard or a sheet of paper. They ask for a signature or a moment of your time to participate in a “survey” or “petition.” Alternatively, the scammer approaches you with a large, unfolded physical map to ask for directions to a specific landmark or street.
• The distraction: While you focus on the request, the scammer holds the clipboard or map at chest or stomach level, tilted upward toward your face. This creates a “privacy curtain” and hides the scammer’s hands (or the hands of an accomplice).
• The “hit”: With your field of vision occupied and your attention diverted by the act of navigating or reading/signing the petition, an accomplice or the scammer themselves has unrestricted access to your pockets or bag with their obscured hand. The clipboard or map effectively “shields” their movements from both you and any onlookers.

CLICK HERE to figure out how to “break” the Clipboard or Map Scam

• Scan the area: In high-traffic tourist zones, take a second to look at the people standing around near corners or transit hubs. If you see individuals standing still with clipboards or maps, avoid that side of the street.
• Keep moving: Do not stop walking when someone approaches you. A polite, firm “No, thank you” or “Sorry, I can’t help” delivered while continuing your pace is usually sufficient to discourage them.
• Create distance: If you feel compelled to help, keep your distance and do not let them move the map or clipboard closer to you. Maintain at least an arm’s length (or more) from anyone attempting to show you something.
• Hands off: Never reach out to touch or hold their map or clipboard. Instead, keep your hands on your own bag or in your pockets.
• Trust your gut: If a person’s behaviour feels “off” or overly persistent, move away immediately without worrying about being rude. Your safety takes precedence over social politeness.

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The “Table Topper” Scam

This is a particularly clever scam because it uses a physical prop to turn a public, “safe” environment like a café terrace into a zone of vulnerability.

How it works

• The setup: You are relaxing at an outdoor café or restaurant terrace, enjoying a drink or a meal. Your phone, sunglasses, or wallet is placed on the table in front of you. A stranger approaches your table, often carrying a large item like a map, a stack of newspapers, or even a piece of clothing (like a jacket).
• The distraction: The scammer places their prop (the map, magazine, or jacket) directly over the top of your personal items on the table. They immediately begin speaking to you, asking for directions to a landmark, trying to sell you a magazine, or asking for the time.
• The “hit”: While you are distracted by the conversation, the scammer slides their hand underneath the prop they have placed on the table. With practised speed, they “sweep” your phone or wallet into the folds of the prop or directly into their other hand. They then politely thank you for your time (or apologise for bothering you) and walk away, taking the prop and your item with them. Because the item was covered, you didn’t see the theft happen; you only realise it is missing after they have left.

CLICK HERE to find out how to avoid the “Table Topper” scam

• Adopt the “no-cover” rule: Never allow anyone to place anything, be it a map, a newspaper, or a piece of clothing, over your personal belongings. If a stranger approaches your table with a large item, immediately place your hands over your phone or wallet, or tuck them away in your pocket.
• Don’t leave personal items on the table: Avoid leaving your phone, purse, or wallet on the table. It is a tempting target for opportunistic thieves. If you must have your phone out, keep it on the side of the table closest to your body, not the side nearest to the walkway. Better still, keep your phone in your pocket or a secure bag.
• Be wary of “performative” strangers: Be especially cautious of anyone who appears overly enthusiastic, aggressive, or persistent while showing you a map or trying to sell you something. This “theatre” is designed to overwhelm your senses and focus your attention entirely on their “performance”, while their free hand works in the “blind spot” created by their map or newspaper.

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High-Risk Targets for Pickpockets

Street criminals prefer to avoid unnecessary risks while striving to maximise their illicit earnings in the shortest possible time. Consequently, they are highly selective, specifically targeting those perceived as the most lucrative ‘high-risk’ victims.

Who is a “high-risk” target?

Pickpockets tend to look for one or more of these “vulnerability signals”:

• The “Device-Distracted”: Anyone staring intently at their phone, poring over a map, or taking a selfie. Your eyes are on a screen rather than your surroundings, making you oblivious to those around you.
• The “Travel-Stressed”: Someone rushing through an airport or bus terminal, fumbling with luggage, tickets, and passports. This high-stress state creates a cognitive blind spot.
• The “Careless Carrier”: People with their wallet in their back pocket, a phone sitting loosely on a café table, or a rucksack left unzipped or worn on their back in a crowded area.
• The “Ostentatious Tourist”: Tourists wearing expensive jewellery or designer items often stand out. While Mallorcan streets are generally safe, flashing luxury items mark you as a lucrative prospect for thieves.
• The “Lost Traveller”: Someone who looks confused and stands still in the middle of a busy walkway to orient themselves.

How to avoid being an easy target

Pickpockets operate by seeking out the path of least resistance. While you cannot always hide the fact that you are a tourist, or avoid appearing a little stressed or disoriented, you can still deter them by following some straightforward rules to make yourself a harder target.

General rules

• Travel light: Carry only the essentials for the day ahead. Leave your passport, additional credit cards, and significant amounts of cash secured in your hotel room safe.
• Dress down: Avoid wearing expensive jewellery or flashy designer clothing, even if the items are replicas. The aim is to blend into the local environment, not to stand out.
• Secure your bags: Use bags that fasten securely, preferably with robust zips, and ensure they remain fully closed at all times when you are out and about. Avoid bags with easy-access magnetic clasps or open-top designs.
• Stay alert: Whilst you are undoubtedly here to enjoy your holiday, try to maintain the same level of situational awareness you would at home. Pay attention to your immediate surroundings and be mindful of the behaviour of those in your vicinity; a relaxed mindset is wonderful, but staying sharp is your best defence.

On the street and in outdoor spaces

• Blend in: Minimise the “tourist” signals. Avoid wearing cameras around your neck or walking with a map held open in your hands. If you need to check directions, whether via a paper map or a smartphone, step away from the main thoroughfare or crowded walkway into a quieter, more private space first.
• Guard your essential items: Store your phone and wallet in your front pockets. For extra security, use a money belt or a concealed neck pouch worn under your clothing to keep your passport and emergency cash completely hidden.
• Maintain your momentum: If a stranger attempts to initiate an “accidental” conversation or tries to block your path in a busy area, do not stop. Keep walking. Being polite is not a requirement when your personal security is at stake.
• Adopt the front-carry: If you are using a rucksack, wear it on the front of your body when in particularly crowded spaces, such as bus queues or busy markets.
• Keep a guarded hand: If you are carrying a crossbody bag or handbag, keep one hand firmly on the strap or resting over the zip at all times when navigating busy areas.

In cafés and restaurants

• Never leave valuables on the table: Never leave your phone, purse, or wallet lying on the table. It only takes a split second for a passing thief to snatch it or to “make it disappear” using the “table-topper” scam.
• Secure your bag: Avoid placing your bag over the back of your chair, where it is out of sight and easily accessible. Keep it on your lap. If it is too large, place it on the floor between your feet and loop the strap securely around your leg.
• Avoid “announcing” your valuables: When paying, try not to reveal the full contents of your wallet. A bulging wallet filled with notes and multiple credit cards signals to observers that you have a “large stash.” Instead, keep a small amount of cash or your primary payment card in a separate, easily accessible pocket.

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Travel Savvy: How to Prepare for the Unexpected

Even with the best precautions, you can never be 100% certain that nothing is going to happen during your Mallorca holiday, just as anywhere else in the world. Sometimes you are simply unlucky. However, taking these precautions before you step on the plane ensures that a theft doesn’t turn into a catastrophe.

• Back up your important documents: Create a secure digital folder (using an encrypted cloud service like iCloud or Google Drive) containing high-quality photos of your passport, flight tickets, travel insurance documents, and any essential prescriptions. If your bag is stolen, you will have instant access to these documents from any device.
• Know how to contact your bank: If your card gets stolen, speed is of the essence. The quicker you cancel your card, the less chance the thieves have to withdraw any money or make any purchases with it. The quickest way to report a stolen card is via your mobile banking app. Familiarise yourself with where to find the “Freeze Card” or “Report Lost/Stolen” button. If you don’t use mobile banking or in case your mobile phone is also stolen, make sure you have the telephone number for your bank handy.
• Keep an “emergency stash”: Never carry all your cards and cash together. Keep your main debit/credit card in your secure pocket, but stash a spare credit card and a small amount of emergency cash in a separate, hidden location (ideally, in a safe in your hotel room).
• Verify your insurance: Read your travel insurance policy to ensure it includes “Personal Possessions” and “Theft” cover. Note the emergency helpline number in your phone and keep a backup. Most insurers now have 24/7 support lines specifically for travellers.
• Record your device details: Make a note of your phone’s IMEI number (dial *#06# on your phone to see it). If your phone is stolen, you will need to give this number to the police and to your network provider. Make a note of the serial number of any other expensive devices you might want to take with you, e.g. tablet, smartwatch, headphones, etc. This will allow the police to flag that specific unit as stolen in national databases. It may also help with an insurance claim, as insurance companies often require the serial number to process a claim for a high-value item.
• Enable remote access to your phone: Make sure you have the “Find My Device” (Android) or “Find My iPhone” (Apple) services enabled on your mobile phone, which can help you locate, lock and even erase data from your phone remotely.
• Download AlertCops: Before you leave home, download the official AlertCops app (available on both the App Store and Google Play). This app, developed by the Spanish Ministry of the Interior, is a vital tool for any visitor, which has a variety of different functions. For example, if you are in immediate danger, you can send an emergency alert that transmits your exact GPS location directly to the nearest police response centre. If you witness a crime or are involved in an incident, you can use the app to send information or photos to the police while it is happening.

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What to do if You Become a Victim in Mallorca

If the worst happens, try to stay calm. Mallorcan authorities are well-versed in helping tourists recover from these situations. You can use the following as a guide on what steps to take, depending on what was stolen.

Immediate actions

• Freeze your accounts: Use your banking app to freeze your cards immediately. If you don’t have access to your phone, ask your hotel reception or a trusted local to help you contact your bank to cancel them.
• Remote-lock your device: Use “Find My iPhone” or “Find My Device” to remotely lock or wipe your phone. This protects your personal data from being accessed.

Report the crime (the “denuncia”)

• File a police report: You must visit a Policía Nacional station to file a denuncia (a formal police report). This is important, as your travel insurance company will almost certainly refuse to pay a claim without a copy of this official document.
• The Tourist Line: If you are unsure where the nearest station is, or you need advice on how to proceed after a theft, call the dedicated English-speaking police assistance line for tourists: +34 902 102 112.

Notify relevant parties

• Contact your consulate: If your passport has been stolen, contact your national consulate immediately. They will provide you with an Emergency Travel Document so you can complete your journey.
• Notify your insurer: Once you have your denuncia and a crime reference number, call your travel insurance provider to start the claims process for your stolen items.
• Inform your mobile phone provider: Report a stolen mobile phone to your network operator. They can bar your SIM card to stops any outgoing calls, texts, or data usage. Via the IMEI number, they can also blacklist your handset, meaning the device will be blocked from connecting to mobile networks, effectively rendering it useless as a phone in the UK, Spain, and many other countries. This drastically reduces its resale value on the black market.

Alert your hotel

• Inform your hotel reception about the theft. They often have experience with local police procedures and can provide you with directions to the nearest station or offer assistance in translating your report.

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Quick Reference: Emergency Contacts

Keep this information saved or printed for quick access during your stay. If you want to use the table as a printed backup, fill in the numbers for your bank, mobile provider, insurance company and your National Consulate.

SERVICE	CONTACT DETAILS
Emergency Services (All)	112 (Free call, multi-lingual)
Tourist Police (English Speaking)	+34 902 102 112
Local Police (Policía Local)	092
National Police (Policía Nacional)	091
Official Reporting App	AlertCops (Download from App/Play Store)
Mobile phone remote access (Android)	google.com/android/find
Mobile phone remote access (Apple)	icloud.com/find
Your bank’s phone number for lost or stolen cards
Your mobile phone provider’s telephone number
Your insurance emergency line
Your National Consulate

Consulates in Palma de Mallorca/Spain

COUNTRY	ADDRESS	CONTACT DETAILS
United Kingdom	Carrer Convent dels Caputxins 4, Edificio Orisba B, 4ºD, 07002 Palma	+34 933 666 200 (Emergency) / Online Contact Form
USA	Consular Agency (Part of the U.S. Embassy in Spain)	+34 91 587 2200 (U.S. Embassy Madrid)
Ireland	C/ San Miguel 68, A-8º, 07002 Palma	+34 971 719 244 / [email protected]
Germany	C/ Porto Pí 8, 3D, Palma	+34 971 707 737 / [email protected]
Austria	Avenida Jaume III 29, Entresuelo, 07012 Palma	+34 971 425 146 / [email protected]
Switzerland	Carrer Gremi Cirurgians i Barbers 25, Edificio Generium, Bloque B, Planta 3, 07009 Palma	+34 682 840 471 / [email protected]

Important Note:
Honorary Consulates generally have limited opening hours and restricted services. They are primarily there to assist in emergencies (such as providing emergency travel documents). Always call ahead to book an appointment, as walk-ins are rarely accepted. For complex issues, your country’s official Embassy in Madrid or Consulate General in Barcelona will be your primary point of contact.

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