Teenager attacked by residents after stealing cash register in South Tenerife
An Italian teenager was detained in the south of Tenerife after allegedly stealing a cash register from a local business, before being chased, held by members of the public, and handed over to the Guardia Civil.
The incident happened in the municipality of San Miguel de Abona, in the Guargacho area. Two men reportedly raced after the boy after the alleged theft and kept him under control until officers arrived.
According to reports, the incident took place last Monday when the teenager is said to have taken a till from a premises in Guargacho. He then fled on foot, crossed a road, and tried to hide inside an abandoned building.
However, the two men followed him, found him inside the property, and brought him back out to a nearby street where they waited for the police. One of the men was also seen carrying the stolen cash register.
Video footage shared on social media appears to show the teenager being insulted and physically assaulted while being restrained. Witnesses can be heard asking the men to stop hitting him.
The Guardia Civil later arrested the teenager and took him to their main station in Granadilla de Abona. He was subsequently released into the care of his mother.
Officers have submitted a report to the Juvenile Prosecutor’s Office in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, which will now decide what legal action, if any, should be taken.
The case highlights concerns around public intervention in suspected crimes, with authorities reminding residents that suspects should be left to the police to avoid further harm or legal consequences.
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