Customers relaxed at a terrace bar in Girona, Spain, on May 18, 2020, enjoying the warm weather and a chance to socialize outdoors. AP
Police in Spain have arrested seven people accused of stealing more than 1,100 chairs from outdoor restaurants and bars. The unusual thefts took place across Madrid and Talavera de la Reina, a nearby city, during August and September.
Authorities said the suspects — six men and one woman — targeted 18 establishments. They struck at night, taking stacks of metal and plastic chairs left outside after closing time. The total loss is estimated at 60,000 euros, or about $69,000.
Chairs Sold Across Europe and North Africa
Investigators discovered that the group resold the stolen furniture not only in Spain but also in Morocco and Romania. Police charged them with theft and belonging to a criminal organization.
The suspects reportedly operated as a coordinated team, loading chairs into vans and transporting them before sunrise. Restaurants typically leave furniture outdoors overnight, often chained or stacked. However, this didn’t stop the thieves from cutting locks or taking whatever they could.
How Restaurants Became Easy Targets
In Spain, outdoor dining is a major part of daily life. Many restaurants keep tables and chairs outside, especially in summer, to serve large crowds. That same convenience made it easy for thieves to strike without drawing much attention.
By the time business owners arrived in the morning, their terraces were bare. Some restaurants lost dozens of chairs in a single night, forcing owners to rent or buy replacements to stay open.
Police Track the Trail
The investigation began after several restaurant owners reported missing chairs across central Spain. Police noticed a pattern — all thefts happened late at night and involved similar types of furniture. Surveillance footage helped identify vehicles and suspects connected to the thefts.
Once the ring’s operation became clear, officers carried out arrests across Madrid and nearby towns. The police statement noted that the stolen furniture had already been transported to warehouses or shipped abroad for resale.
A Costly and Comical Crime
While the scale of the theft raised eyebrows, the case highlights a growing problem of organized petty crime in tourist-heavy areas. Police said the thieves likely targeted items that were easy to resell and difficult to trace.
Restaurant owners have since reinforced their outdoor setups with heavier chains, security cameras, and motion lights to prevent further losses.
The seven suspects remain in custody as authorities continue tracing the furniture and other possible stolen goods.
