MATARÓ, Spain — Catalan police are searching for at least two suspects following an armed robbery at a computer store in Mataró on Saturday morning, during which a worker was threatened with a pistol before the perpetrators fled the scene without being intercepted, according to official statements from the Mossos d’Esquadra.
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The incident occurred around 10:30 a.m. on May 9 at Intecat, a technology retail establishment located on Carrer de la Rambla in the capital of the Maresme region. Security footage obtained by local media shows one of the suspects entering the store carrying a large green bag, wearing a cap and face covering—attire that investigators say complicates identification efforts. The individual, described by witnesses as being of Latin American origin, approached an employee and inquired about phone chargers, specifying interest in models “of this size,” before withdrawing a handgun from an inner jacket pocket and displaying it to the worker.
Upon seeing the weapon, the employee fled behind the sales counter for protection. The suspect followed with the pistol drawn, ordering the worker to get on the floor, according to audio captured by the store’s surveillance system. Both individuals then moved out of the camera’s field of view. A second accomplice, whose appearance and actions have not been fully detailed, was also present during the incident.
“We can confirm that an armed robbery took place at a commercial establishment in Mataró this morning,” said a spokesperson for the Mossos d’Esquadra. “No injuries were reported, and an investigation is currently underway to identify and locate those responsible. We ask anyone with relevant information to come forward and assist our inquiry.”
Local police units responded rapidly to emergency calls following the robbery, but the suspects had already dispersed and escaped the area before officers arrived. Investigators are now reviewing security footage, analyzing forensic evidence collected at the scene, and interviewing witnesses to reconstruct the sequence of events and develop leads on the perpetrators’ identities and potential whereabouts.
The robbery in Mataró occurs against a backdrop of increasing incidents involving firearms across Catalonia. In recent months, law enforcement agencies have reported a rise in armed robberies, street confrontations involving weapons, and conflicts between criminal groups that have at times spilled into public spaces. While violent crime remains relatively uncommon in the region overall, the visibility of firearms in certain offenses has prompted renewed attention to public safety strategies and preventive measures.
“Every incident involving a weapon is treated with the highest priority,” noted a regional public safety official who spoke on condition of anonymity. “Our teams are dedicated to rapid response, thorough investigation, and community engagement to address emerging patterns of violence.”
Mataró, a coastal city of approximately 130,000 residents northeast of Barcelona, is generally considered a safe and family-oriented community. The armed robbery at a local business has prompted concern among residents and merchants, many of whom have called for enhanced police presence and preventive initiatives in commercial districts.
“We want our neighborhood to remain a place where people feel secure going about their daily lives,” said a representative from a local business association. “Incidents like this are unsettling, but we trust in the professionalism of our police forces and stand ready to cooperate with any measures that enhance safety.”
Under Spanish criminal law, robbery with violence or intimidation—particularly when a firearm is involved—is classified as a serious offense that can carry significant penalties upon conviction. Prosecutors will evaluate factors such as the use of a weapon, the vulnerability of the victim, and any prior criminal history when determining appropriate charges. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty through judicial proceedings.
The Mossos d’Esquadra has not disclosed whether any items were stolen from the Intecat store during the robbery, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation. Investigators are also examining whether the suspects may be linked to other recent incidents in the region, though no formal connections have been established at this time.
For the employee who was threatened during the incident, the experience was undoubtedly traumatic. Victim support services in Catalonia offer counseling, legal guidance, and practical assistance to individuals affected by violent crime. Local organizations have reached out to provide resources and ensure access to appropriate care.
As the investigation continues, authorities have appealed to residents and visitors who may have witnessed suspicious activity in the area around the time of the robbery to come forward. Even seemingly minor details—such as descriptions of vehicles, directions of travel, or distinctive clothing—can prove valuable in identifying suspects.
“We understand that crimes like this generate anxiety,” said the Mossos spokesperson. “We ask the public to rely on official information, avoid speculation, and help us by reporting anything that might assist the investigation.”
Further updates are expected as judicial authorities review the case and as investigators make progress in locating those responsible for the armed robbery at Intecat.
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Note: This report is based on official statements from the Mossos d’Esquadra, verified local media accounts, and security footage from the incident. The identities of suspects have not been disclosed in accordance with Spanish privacy laws and presumption of innocence principles. All individuals mentioned in connection with criminal activity are presumed innocent until proven guilty under judicial proceedings.
Reporting from Mataró. Additional contributions from Barcelona-based public safety correspondents and criminal justice analysts.
