PICK POCKETING thieves could target holidaying Brits looking to have a risque beach romp this summer, warn Spanish cops.
Detectives in Majorca and Ibiza have urged eager tourists to avoid any sandy trysts after more than 100 pickpockets and other opportunists have been arrested in the last month.
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Police have noticed a worrying trend of many thefts taking place late at night by busy beaches.
A spokesman for Spain’s National Police said on Tuesday: “The type of crimes we’re dealing with are mainly theft, with pickpockets and opportunists, with their favourite area being the beaches at night.
“They take advantage of tourists going to the beach to take a dip, have sexual relations or meet up in groups and enjoy the natural environment the coast provides.”
Strict summer police reinforcements have been deployed across the Balearic Islands since the start of the month in preparation for boozy and opportunist Brits flocking to the holiday hotspots.
This has meant a strong police crackdown on thieves leading to the high number of arrests.
The National Police force spokesman added: “So far the National Police officers that form part of ‘Operation Summer’, made up of uniformed and plain-clothes officers, have arrested more than 100 people.
“Most of them were caught red-handed. The detainees come from a variety of countries.”
Stealing on the two party islands is rarely violent with victims usually being left baffled at how they lost their belongings, say police.
Hotels and restaurants have also been a hotbed of criminal activity in previous holiday seasons.
Several people have been left out of pocket by sneaky thieves lurking in bustling areas waiting to strike.
The spokesperson continued: “There are also thefts in hotels where clients leave their belongings near reception or the entrance to the building, and the criminals take advantage to steal bags or rucksacks.
“This also happens when tourists are in restaurants and leave handbags or man bags hanging on the backs of chairs.”
The summer reinforcements in Majorca cover areas such as the party resort of Arenal and include officers from rapid-response groups specialising in maintaining public order and terror specialists.
Last week, a British DJ appealed for help after he was robbed of “irreplaceable valuables” in Ibiza.
Franky Wah said a number of criminals broke into his car outside a restaurant in the village of Jesus before taking “everything” inside.
His beloved laptop and music were all stolen with the DJ offering a reward for their return.
Is public sex legal in Spain?
STRICTLY speaking public sex is illegal in almost every country on the planet but public nudity in Spain is actually legal.
By their law, people can walk around completely naked and avoid being tackled by cops.
But, Spain does have public disturbance measures in play which can intervene in any sexual activity or full frontal nudity.
The legislation deems any form of act that provokes or disturbs other people can drop you in hot water – including nudity and sex.
It is often tolerated in Spain and even acted upon by the minority at designated nude areas such as nudist beaches and naturist camps.
Although many Brits and tourists are often left shocked by the number of topless sunbathers on busy beaches where it is widely accepted.
Public sex is actually legal in Germany – as long as you’re fully clothed as you do it.
It is also legal in Guadalajara in Mexico, Vondelpark in Amsterdam and Ørstedsparken in Denmark, say travel site Travel Noire.
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