Pickpocket Ring Operating in Fuerteventura and Other Islands Dismantled

The Civil Guard has dismantled a network of pickpockets that was active in the tourist zones of Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria and Lanzarote as part of operation “Buzunare MJ”. The unit, coordinated from the Morro Jable main station, resulted in 13 suspects being investigated for 25 property‑related offences – 21 thefts and 4 frauds. Five members were arrested, three of them caught red‑handed.

The investigation began several months earlier after a surge of complaints about “careless” robberies, especially in areas with heavy visitor traffic. According to the probe, the perpetrators exploited crowds in avenues and commercial districts to lift wallets and personal items without being noticed.

How the ring was uncovered

• Surveillance footage: Initial analysis of security‑camera recordings identified several suspects, reportedly Romanian nationals, who arrived on the islands during peak tourism periods.
• Covert monitoring: Officers set up discreet watches and intensified patrols at strategic points, working closely with the Local Police of Pájara.

A pivotal moment occurred on 26 January, when an undercover officer observed two individuals stealing on a busy avenue in Morro Jable. One was detained on the spot; the other fled.

A few days later, on 30 January, two more agents intercepted a man and a woman as they opened the backpack of an elderly couple to pilfer personal belongings.

These actions clarified a total of 25 offences and led to the recovery of some stolen items. The detainees have been placed before the court of first instance in Puerto del Rosario.

“Citizen collaboration is essential,” the Civil Guard emphasized, urging the public to exercise heightened caution in crowded spaces, especially during the high tourist season.

The operation demonstrates the effectiveness of coordinated police work and community vigilance in protecting both residents and visitors from petty crime.