Summer is here (believe it or not) and that's exactly when many of us plan to book a boozy getaway. But whether you're going on a trip to Ibiza, a weekend in Benidorm or setting your sights on the strip of Magaluf, it's always wise to keep your wits about you.
According to reports, that's especially true of Magaluf at present. Not to sound like yer mum but it's been reported that 'tens of tourists' have been targeted in robberies, following the arrest of eight people of Senegalese origin, as reported by local media.
The City Council announced that the arrests were made during the early hours of Saturday and Sunday, as cops recovered high-end mobile phones, SIM cards, wallets and watches.
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Local newspaper Última Hora reported that 'African Mafias rob tens of tourists at night in Punta Ballena' - otherwise known as Magaluf Strip.
The City Council of Calvià outlined that the groups believed to be responsible for the muggings are also engaged in street vending and claim they steal from drunk tourists using the method of 'bear hugging'.
According to The Sun, they work in pairs - one approaches a holidaymaker and gets them in a vice-like grip from behind while their accomplice steals possessions, including jewellery, mobile phones, wallets and watches. Another member of the group acts as a lookout.
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The publication spoke to a businessman who said: "They are real specialists in stealing. They do it in a matter of seconds and most victims don't report it."
The eight arrested over the weekend are aged between 20 and 26, with the majority residing in Palma. Ultima Hora reported how two people were treated for minor injuries off the back of the attacks.
One of the tourists allegedly confronted a man trying to rob him, threatening him with a bottle. The pair became entangled and the victim had to be transferred to the Santa Ponça PAC.
Last month it was reported how illegal street vendors were serving drinks to holidaymakers in tourist hot-spots such as Benidorm and Barcelona that were made from alcohol stored in drains.
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According to The Sun, salespeople are allegedly flogging trayfuls of drinks such as Sex on the Beach and Pina Colada to tourists - misleading them by saying that they're from nearby bars.
On a Facebook page dedicated to the Spanish resort of Benidorm, a holidaymaker snapped a seller in action, saying: "I see the dodgy cocktail sellers are about today. Yuk, I think I will give it a miss. There were 2 sellers out today with blue shirts. They look so official but yuk. Keep away everyone.
"I saw this outside my other half's bar, he was chopping the fruit up on the bin lid, and lifting bottles of spirits up out of the drains."
Featured Image Credit: PATopics: magaluf, News, crime, Spain