Catalan police warn of suitcase robberies in hotels

Mossos d’Esquadra recommends leaving baggage in front while doing check-in at establishments

A recreation of a suitcase robbery in a Catalan hotel (by Mossos d'Esquadra)
A recreation of a suitcase robbery in a Catalan hotel (by Mossos d'Esquadra) / ACN

ACN | Barcelona

August 5, 2022 11:14 AM

When summer arrives, thousands of tourists land in Barcelona to enjoy a few days across the territory. Some of these visitors stay at hotels and some can even suffer suitcase robberies when they are distracted.

One of the moments thieves mainly act is when tourists are doing the check-in and check-out at the hotel. At that moment, if people leave their bags behind them, robbers take advantage of the opportunity and steal them. 

This is why the Catalan Mossos d’Esquadra police have shared a video online recommending leaving the suitcase in front when doing things, such as check-in or departure.

In the video, a reenacted robbery recorded by the Mossos, a woman is standing next to the bag speaking with the receptionist. A few meters away, there are two people as if they were customers reading some magazines. 

Once they see the opportunity to steal the bag, they stand up and approach the visitor at the reception desk. Without her realizing, both alleged customers pick up the bag and take it away.