The Mossos d’Esquadra have arrested a 42-year-old man in Barcelona accused of repeatedly robbing elderly citizens using distraction techniques. The suspect, who already has eleven prior arrests — six by the Catalan police and five by the National Police — was detained earlier this week in the Sant Andreu district.
Investigators link him to at least five violent robberies in Barcelona and one in Tarragona, though further cases may be attributed to him as inquiries continue. His victims, aged between 75 and 92, were deliberately chosen for their vulnerability. He typically followed them after they had withdrawn cash or made purchases, striking at doorways or car parks.
The thief’s method was calculated: he would drop coins or keys to create a diversion, then swiftly snatch wallets or valuables. While most thefts began without violence, several escalated into scuffles when victims resisted.
His latest offence occurred on Carrer d’Espronceda, where he stole a wallet from an elderly man. A Mossos patrol detained him shortly after, and investigators later confirmed his connection to the string of similar crimes.
The man was brought before the courts on Wednesday, 24 September. Police stress that coordination across Barcelona’s districts is ongoing, as more robberies could be added to his record.
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