More than 80 people have been arrested in Tenerife after Spanish police took down a sophisticated pickpocketing network operating across the island.
The Guardia Civil confirmed the bust earlier today, Thursday, describing it as a significant blow to organised crime that had been targeting both tourists and locals in some of Tenerife’s busiest areas.
Dubbed “Operation Danube,” the five-month investigation began last November to coincide with the start of the Canary Islands’ peak tourist season. Police say past years have seen a spike in distraction thefts and petty crime around this time.
Highly organised gang
According to an official press release, the gang was well-structured. Members worked in teams with clear roles, some stole, others distracted victims, while couriers moved stolen items to avoid detection.
Many of those arrested had lengthy criminal records for minor thefts, which often meant they escaped jail time under Spanish law.
During raids, police recovered mobile phones, wallets, expensive watches, cash, and fake IDs. Some suspects were also found to be using multiple identities to stay under the radar.
Message to tourists and locals
Authorities say the operation has seriously disrupted a network that was causing “considerable unease” in busy shopping and tourist hotspots. The case is now in the hands of Tenerife’s courts.
The Guardia Civil has issued fresh safety advice, urging people to lock their cars, keep valuables out of sight, and report suspicious behaviour, such as individuals loitering among parked cars or peering inside vehicles.
They also advised victims of theft not to touch anything that might have been handled by the criminals, and to contact police immediately to file a report.
