An elderly British holidaymaker was mugged and dragged to the ground while he was on a walk through a resort in Majorca with his wife.
The attacker pounced on the 85-year-old man from behind and stole a small bag containing his wallet before running off.
Footage of the attack showed the robber, wearing black shorts and carrying a black backpack, appearing to follow his victim before targeting him.
The elderly victim tried to hold on to his bag as the mugger grappled with him and ended up crashing to the pavement on his side and hitting his head as he fell.
The robbery happened just after midday on Wednesday in Cala Millor, the largest tourist destination on Majorca’s east coast and a short drive from the Love Island villa.
Footage of the attack showed the robber, wearing black shorts and carrying a black backpack, appearing to follow his victim before targeting him.
The British couple were walking in a built-up central area of the resort and local police were able to identify the suspect hours later in a nearby street.
The victim went on to recognise him as the person who had assaulted him.
It is not clear what injuries the elderly man suffered and whether he had been able to recover his stolen belongings.
Footage grabs show an elderly British holidaymaker was mugged and dragged to the ground while he was on a walk through a resort in Majorca with his wife
The robbery happened just after midday on Wednesday in Cala Millor, the largest tourist destination on Majorca’s east coast and a short drive from the Love Island villa
The mugger has already gone before an investigating judge but it is not known if he was remanded in custody or released on bail pending an ongoing criminal probe. His age and nationality have not yet been released.
Islands like Majorca and Ibiza are favourite for Rolex robbers from the likes of Naples in Italy who target tourists for their expensive timepieces.
In May last year two moped muggers were filmed snatching a man’s watch off his wrist in heavy traffic near Ibiza airport.
The pair took advantage of the split-second cars paused on approach to a roundabout to commit their crime.
Video footage showed the moped rider approaching the driver’s window before his accomplice, who got off the vehicle as they prepared to pounce, rushed over to complete the snatch with his motorcycle helmet still on his head.
They were away seconds later, accelerating at speed in the direction they had come from, before other motorists had a chance to react.
The man they targeted, who was driving a luxury Mercedes G-wagon, tried to do a U-turn to follow them but appeared to desist after realising he had no chance of catching up with them.
In May last year two moped muggers snatched a man’s watch off his wrist in heavy traffic near Ibiza airport
According to GOV UK travelers to Spain, including its islands, should be alert to the risk of street crime.
The website warns of ‘highway pirates’ who target foreign-registered and hire cars.
When driving, people are advised to be wary of approaches from people posing as plainclothes police in unmarked cars. In all traffic-related matters, police officers will usually be in uniform.
Unmarked police vehicles have a flashing electronic sign on the rear window saying ‘Policía’ or ‘Guardia Civil’. Genuine police will only ask you to show vehicle documents – not to hand over your bag or wallet.
