Crime Alert: What’s Behind the Rise in Violent Robberies in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria?

If you live in or around Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, especially near Santa Catalina, it’s time to take a closer look at your day-to-day habits. Violent robberies are on the rise. Not just petty theft, but aggressive attacks in broad daylight and late at night. The reports aren’t slowing down, and more and more people are being affected.

This isn’t about fearmongering. It’s about staying informed, watching your back, and helping protect our community.

🚨 What’s Actually Going On?

Here’s what’s been happening in the Santa Catalina area recently:

• A British tourist was beaten by three attackers who stole his phone
• Another man was cut with broken bottles during a fight, and a second tourist was mugged the same night.
• Two suspects were arrested after kicking a young man in the head to steal his phone.
• One man was arrested three times in a single week for violently robbing people in Santa Catalina.
• A man was arrested for threatening women with a 25 cm knife and shouting insults.
• A recent wallet theft in the area also ended in violence.
• Police detained several suspects in May linked to a pattern of robberies involving violence and intimidation.

Police unions say the trend is getting worse. They’ve raised concerns about lack of resources and a shortage of officers, especially during nighttime hours. More visible patrols are being requested, but for now, many parts of the city are still being left uncovered.

📍 It’s Not Just Santa Catalina

Several other areas across Las Palmas de Gran Canaria have also seen a spike in violent incidents:

• In San Telmo, a 22-year-old was beaten and robbed after asking for a lighter.
• In Las Alcaravaneras, three youths threatened a man with a sharp object before robbing him.
• A woman was sexually assaulted at Las Coloradas viewpoint at 10am
• Police recently arrested a group responsible for multiple violent thefts across the city.
• Six people were arrested in one night after a spree of violence in San Telmo

🧠 How to Stay Safe Without Overthinking It

These incidents aren’t a reason to hide indoors, but they are a reason to be smart. A few simple habits can go a long way:

• Take a taxi home if you’re out late. If you’re waiting for a taxi, ask a friend to wait with you.
• Avoid wearing headphones at night so you can stay aware of your surroundings.
• If you’re drunk, don’t walk home alone. Make sure someone brings you back safely or that you’re not left wandering.
• Don’t walk alone at night, especially through quiet or unfamiliar streets.
• Keep your phone and valuables out of sight, even during the day.
• Don’t leave your bag hanging on the back of a chair at cafés or terraces.
• Never leave phones, wallets or bags unattended on the beach. Not even for a quick swim.
• Be extra alert around ATM machines, at bus stops or while using your phone on the street.
• If someone makes you feel uneasy, trust your gut. Cross the street, change direction or walk into a nearby bar, shop or hotel lobby.

And if something happens, report it. Even if you don’t think it will help immediately, your report builds a record that could help someone else down the line.

📣 Final Word

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is still a fantastic place to live and visit. But it’s facing a real safety challenge right now, and pretending nothing’s wrong doesn’t protect anyone. Talk to your friends. Share this with your neighbours. Keep your eyes open.

We all want the same thing. To enjoy our days and nights here without constantly looking over our shoulder. A bit more caution today means a safer community tomorrow.