Tourists in Sevilla are becoming ‘easy targets’ for professional pickpockets, a police union has warned after sharing CCTV footage of an alleged theft in broad daylight.
The Sindicato Profesional de Policia Local de Sevilla (SPLS) posted the video on X alongside a furious attack on city mayor Jose Luis Sanz, accusing him of creating a ‘false sense of security’ while criminal gangs operate freely in tourist hotspots.
The incident took place on Calle Mateos Gago, one of Sevilla’s busiest tourist streets near the Cathedral and Alcazar.
According to the union, the footage shows suspected thieves carefully watching tourists before waiting for a moment of distraction and striking within seconds.
The victim was left without her mobile phone, money or identification documents in the middle of the city.
In the post, the union wrote: ‘Sevilla city centre has become a hunting ground for criminals while the mayor continues selling a false sense of security.’
It added: ‘In the video you can see how they watch, wait for a distraction and act in seconds.’
The organisation also blamed a lack of police resources for the growing problem.
It claimed Sevilla’s local police force has been reduced by 35%, while the specialist plain-clothes anti-pickpocket unit known as Grupo Giralda is now effectively disappearing.
The union further accused city authorities of constantly redirecting officers to ‘events and posturing’ instead of policing neighbourhoods and tackling street crime.
The post ended with the blunt message: ‘Mayor, resign now.’
The warning comes amid growing concerns over tourism pressures and public safety in Sevilla, where local guides and residents have increasingly complained about overcrowding and illegal tour operators.
Read more Andalucia news at the Spanish Eye.
