Two off-duty police officers thwarted a luxury watch robbery at Port de Barcelona last Friday, leading to the arrest of two repeat offenders. The incident occurred at 12:40 near Moll d’Espanya, a popular tourist area within the Ciutat Vella district. Authorities also recovered a luxury watch valued at €100,000.

Off-Duty Officers Intervene

The suspects, aged 24 and 35, targeted a man wearing an expensive watch. An off-duty agent from the Mossos d’Esquadra and an off-duty officer from the Guàrdia Urbana de Tarragona witnessed the assault. Both officers intervened immediately, preventing the thieves from escaping. A struggle ensued during the intervention. One police agent and the victim sustained minor injuries.

Officers from the Ciutat Vella Mossos d’Esquadra arrived shortly after. They formally arrested the two men. The quick actions of the off-duty officers proved crucial in apprehending the suspects and recovering the valuable item.

Repeat Offenders Arrested

Both arrested individuals were known to police for previous offences. The 24-year-old suspect had accumulated nine prior arrests, while the 35-year-old had six. This highlights the persistent issue of repeat offending in Barcelona, particularly concerning property crimes. Ara Cat reported that repeat offenders are frequently linked to watch robberies and other crimes against property.

Barcelona’s Watch Robbery Problem

Luxury watch robberies represent a significant challenge for Barcelona. These items rank as the fifth most frequently stolen objects in the city. Last year, Barcelona recorded over 1,000 such incidents, averaging nearly three per day. Thieves often target tourists in busy areas like the Port de Barcelona, the surrounding beaches, and the Aquàrium. These thefts frequently involve violence or intimidation, even a simple tug on a watch strap constitutes violence under the law.

Addressing Persistent Crime

The incident underscores the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to combat property crimes. Authorities continue to focus on repeat offenders. Ara Cat reported that in 2025, Barcelona identified 470 active repeat offenders. These individuals faced arrest 4,001 times and committed 9,726 criminal acts, primarily thefts and robberies involving violence or intimidation. The five most persistent active criminals accumulated 197 arrests in just one year. This vigilance remains vital for public safety in tourist-heavy zones and across the city.

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Originally published by Ara Cat. Read original article.