Ram-raid attack under investigation
The Mossos d'Esquadra, Catalonia's regional police, are investigating a suspected ram-raid at the Apple Store in the Westfield La Maquinista shopping centre in the Sant Andreu district of Barcelona. The incident occurred in the early hours of Friday, 21 August 2026, at around 6:30 am. According to initial reports obtained by ElCaso.cat and confirmed by the Mossos, a group of individuals used a vehicle to smash through the shop front in an attempt to steal mobile phones and other electronic devices. Police were alerted shortly before 6:45 am and dispatched multiple patrol units to the scene. By the time officers arrived, the suspects had fled. No arrests have been made, and authorities have not disclosed how many people were involved or whether any items were successfully stolen. The investigation remains open.
Pattern of similar incidents
This attack bears similarities to another incident almost a month earlier, on 24 July 2026, when thieves drove a car into the front of a K-tuin store – an official Apple retailer – on Muntaner Street in Barcelona’s upper district. After breaking through the door, the suspects stole several electronic devices and escaped in another vehicle. A comparable method was also seen recently at the Ànecblau shopping centre in Castelldefels, where suspects entered the complex in a 4x4 and then used a smaller Fiat 500 to smash display windows at two jewellery stores.
The use of vehicles in these attacks allows for rapid escape before police arrival, though security camera footage may help identify those responsible.
Apple has not issued any public statement regarding the incident, and the store has declined to provide information to media outlets. The Mossos have not released further details in order to avoid interfering with ongoing investigative procedures.
Primary sources: ${rpb.dspace.name}, mossos.gencat.cat. Reported by laciutat.cat, Lucas Martorell, Sofía Díaz, Guillem RS, beteve.cat, Pere Roca Soler, Albert Jové, sommollet.cat, Cesc Maideu, La Ciutat.
