Tourist Robbed by Airport Staff at Palma Airport in Majorca — Luxury Watch and Bracelet Recovered

In a shocking incident at Palma de Mallorca Airport (Son Sant Joan Airport) in Majorca, Spain, a tourist was robbed by an airport staff member after mistakenly leaving his bag unattended while returning a rental car.

The incident occurred when the traveller, preparing to fly back home, momentarily left his backpack containing luxury jewellery — including a high-end watch and bracelet worth tens of thousands of pounds — at a rental car booth inside the airport terminal. Upon realizing the mistake, he rushed back to retrieve his belongings, only to discover that the expensive items were missing from the bag.

The distressed tourist immediately filed a complaint with the National Police stationed at the airport. Following an investigation, police identified an employee of a rental car cleaning company as the alleged thief. The individual was swiftly arrested, and the stolen valuables were successfully recovered and returned to the rightful owner.

Police Urge Travellers to Stay Vigilant
Spanish authorities used this incident as a cautionary tale for travellers, emphasizing the need to remain vigilant with personal belongings — especially in busy areas like airport terminals, rental car zones, and public transport hubs.

The National Police reminded both visitors and airport staff of proper protocol when handling lost property. Staff are legally required to hand over any found items to municipal services and to issue official documentation confirming the transfer. Failure to do so can lead to criminal and disciplinary action.

Other Alarming Incidents in Airports
This is not an isolated case. In October last year, a traveller at Manchester Airport fell victim to an international crime gang posing as a meet-and-greet parking service. The group made off with his £50,000 Mercedes C220 AMG.

Similarly, earlier this year, former flight attendant Barbara Bacilleri warned air travellers about in-flight theft. She revealed how some thieves book flights solely to steal from overhead luggage bins, offering crucial tips to safeguard carry-ons.

Travel Safety Tips for Airport Security:
Never leave bags unattended, even briefly.

Always lock valuables in a secure compartment.

Use AirTags or tracking devices inside luggage.

Report any suspicious activity to airport security immediately.

Confirm the identity of airport services before handing over keys or personal items.

By staying alert and informed, tourists can better protect themselves and avoid falling prey to theft — even in seemingly secure environments like international airports.