Scammers target UK golfers by setting up fake greens in remote areas on Spanish golf courses and then robbing them
- The thefts take place in Mallorca, Spain, in and around the capital Palma
- Crooks stole a £16,000 Swiss watch and more than £1,300 in cash earlier this week
Scammers are targeting British golfers in Mallorca, Spain, by drilling ‘fake holes’ in remote areas of golf courses so they can rob them.
According to local reports, professional criminals drill fake holes in greens and move flags so they can get golfers to an area where it’s easier to steal their belongings and escape without getting caught.
The theft problems would affect golf courses in and around the capital Palma, as well as the municipality of Calvia with Magaluf and Santa Ponsa, and the wealthy Andratx.
A popular golf club on the holiday island puts customers on guard by handing out leaflets before they reach the first tee in four languages, including English.
Thieves stole a £16,000 Swiss watch and more than £1,300 in cash from a distracted golfer’s bag earlier this week as he focused on his putt and didn’t take his eyes off his spare clubs and other belongings, according to the island newspaper Diario de Mallorca .
According to local reports, career criminals drill fake holes in greens and move flags so they can lure golfers to an area where it’s easier to steal their belongings and escape without getting caught. Stock photo of Spanish golf course, no thefts have happened here
Thieves stole a £16,000 Swiss watch and more than £1,300 in cash from a distracted golfer’s bag earlier this week while he focused on his putt and didn’t take his eyes off his spare clubs and other belongings. Archive photo Spanish golf course, no thefts have been committed here
Vall d’Or Golf near Portocolom on the east coast of the island is now handing out pamphlets in Spanish, English, French and German to golfers before they start playing, stating: ‘Dear customers, given the spate of thefts taking place in the golf courses in Mallorca, we remind you to keep an eye on your belongings.’
Israel Rodriguez, director of the club popular with British expats and holidaymakers, told the local press: “It may not be a very commercial solution, but it has been the most effective because after the theft has happened, we can support the victims.” only advise. they should report it.
“Better advise them before and not after they find their £13,000 watch and another £550 in cash, as happened.”
The criminals behind the thefts are believed to study the courses before they strike, targeting victims at so-called “black spots” where they sense their chances of getting their hands on golfers’ valuables without getting caught, and in many cases even can be noticed. are maximized.
Those areas are usually open with no fencing around the track and near roads that the thieves can use to make a quick escape.
Thefts on golf courses are not unique to Mallorca. They have also been raised as a problem in areas such as the Costa del Sol.
A British golfer who regularly practices in the area warned online: ‘It is much more common for thieves to try to steal your belongings while you are actually on the course, and not near the clubhouse, where there are generally more people . all around.
“These thieves are no fools. They carefully choose certain holes on the course to operate on, especially holes where you park your buggy next to the green, and they commit the theft while you are on the green, probably with the buggy out of sight.
“This is opportunistic general theft, very rarely robbery. That is, the thief is unlikely to stop you with a knife or gun. They want to steal valuables that you carelessly leave unprotected.
‘As a frequent golfer on the Costa del Sol I hear stories of theft on certain courses. But it’s really unfair to call those courses.’