Madrid's vibrant dining scene is facing an unusual crisis as organised criminal gangs systematically steal thousands of chairs from the city's restaurants and bars. The Spanish capital's beloved outdoor terraces are being stripped bare in what authorities describe as a sophisticated theft operation.
The Great Terrace Robbery
Restaurateurs across Madrid are reporting identical patterns: thieves arriving in vans during early morning hours and efficiently loading dozens of chairs in single operations. The scale suggests this is no random crime spree but a coordinated effort by professional thieves.
"They're not taking one or two chairs - they're cleaning out entire terraces," reported one frustrated restaurant owner in the Chamberí district. "We lost forty chairs in one night. It's devastating for business."
Police Investigation Underway
National Police have launched a major investigation, analysing CCTV footage that shows multiple perpetrators working with military precision. The thieves typically strike between 3am and 6am, targeting areas with high concentrations of restaurants and bars.
Authorities believe the stolen furniture is being resold through illicit channels or potentially shipped to other regions. The sophisticated nature of the operations suggests the involvement of organised crime networks specialising in property theft.
Impact on Madrid's Hospitality Sector
The thefts come at a particularly difficult time for Spain's hospitality industry, still recovering from pandemic-related losses. With outdoor dining remaining crucial for revenue, the chair shortage threatens to significantly impact businesses during peak season.
Many establishments have been forced to invest in expensive security measures, including overnight guards and specialised locking systems for their outdoor furniture. Some are even considering bringing chairs indoors each evening, creating additional operational challenges.
As the investigation continues, Madrid's restaurant owners remain vigilant, hoping police can put a seat on the crime wave that's leaving their terraces empty and their businesses vulnerable.
