Tourist delivers immediate justice in Barcelona, subduing theft suspect with a chokehold after he attempted to snatch the tourist's camera.
In the bustling streets of Barcelona, an audacious thief learned the hard way that not all tourists are easy targets. A brave traveler, who happened to be a camera-wielding onlooker, took matters into his own hands when he believed the alleged thief was attempting to steal his gear.
Caught on camera, the suspect could be seen writhing in pain as the tourist put him in a chokehold, preventing any escape attempts. The thief flailed about and attempted to garner attention from passersby, but the gathered crowd remained unfazed by the drama.
Eventually, two policemen arrived on the scene and took custody of the suspect, tugging him away and seating him by a nearby tree. The crowd's cheers filled the air, applauding both the swift actions of the cops and the innovative response of the tourist.
Barcelona has gained a notorious reputation as a city that caters to thieves looking to pounce on vulnerable tourists. Last year, Sir Ben Ainslie—the five-time Olympic medal-winning sailor—fell victim to the Barcelona watch gang, losing his £16k Rolex to armed robbers. Despite the celebrated city's allure, criminal activities persist, particularly during high-profile events such as the America's Cup.
Barcelona's dubious fame is not limited to wealthy yachtsmen; even footballers like Robert Lewandowski have been targeted. Two years prior, the 36-year-old athlete had his £59,000 watch swiped outside the Ciutat Esportiva training ground. The thief, attempting to make a quick getaway, was soon apprehended by police, relieving Lewandowski of the unfortunate encounter.
Despite persistent crime, Barcelona continues to be a magnet for tourists, who might want to exercise extra caution when navigating the city's crowded streets and transit hubs.
The audacious thief's attempt on a tourist's camera gear resulted in his own capture on camera and a subsequent arrest by police. Remarkably, the incident echoes a previous incident involving Sir Ben Ainslie, who lost his £16k Rolex to armed robbers in Barcelona last year. General news outlets like The Telegraph have reported an increase in criminal activities during high-profile events. Moreover, football star Robert Lewandowski suffered a similar encounter two years prior, losing a £59,000 watch. With these incidents highlighting the need for vigilance, tourists should concentrate on remaining cautious when navigating the city's busy spaces.
