A female officer from the Guàrdia Urbana, off duty at the time, detained a suspected thief in central Barcelona on Tuesday, 11 August, after he snatched a luxury watch valued at €350,000 from a man near plaça de Sant Jaume.
The incident unfolded around midday in the Ciutat Vella district, close to Barcelona City Hall and the Palau de la Generalitat, both of which maintain 24-hour police presence. Officers from the Guàrdia Urbana and Mossos d'Esquadra, Catalonia’s regional police, began pursuit after seeing the victim chasing the suspect and shouting for help.
Witnesses attempted to intercept the fleeing man, but it was the off-duty officer who ultimately caught him. According to reports, she ran after the suspect and tackled him to the ground on carrer d'Avinyó, where bystanders had filmed part of the chase.
Watch recovered, suspect charged
While officers secured the suspect, the victim identified his stolen watch, which was found in the suspect’s trouser pocket during a search. The timepiece showed damage consistent with the forceful removal, and the victim sustained minor wrist injuries.
The suspect is accused of robbery with violence and a minor assault charge.
The suspect, described as being of Maghrebi origin, was taken into custody and transferred to a local police station. Authorities have not released his age or criminal history. The recovered watch has been returned to its owner, whose identity, including whether they are a resident or tourist, remains undisclosed.
- Date of incident: 11 August 2026
- Location: Near plaça de Sant Jaume, Ciutat Vella
- Value of item stolen: €350,000
- Recovery: Immediate, same day
Primary sources: ajuntament.barcelona.cat, Ramon. Reported by apdnoticies.com, Maria Pentinat, Germán González, beteve.cat, Carlos Manzano, barna.news, El País, Cesc Maideu, APD Noticies.
