I saw this incident occur.

On Thursday, June 25 at about 1400 or 2:00pm a Spanish lady about 70 years of age was taking money out of the Deutsche bank ATM on the Gran Via and Callao. Two boys about 14 years of age grabbed the money from her hand and hurt her arm. Some persons tried to stop them. The boys ran across the Gran Via in front of moving cars and down towards Puerto del Sol. The ATM was on the outside of the bank. I visit Madrid several times a year and used to see a security guard standing near the ATM. However, the last two visits I haven't seen the security guard. Perhaps the guard was taken away from the ATM area for economic reasons.

During my visits to Madrid I have always found the city to be a safe place but you must be aware that criminals are looking for victims to take the wallets, handbags, laptops, and luggage.

This is the same situation everywhere in the world including my city, New York.

I love Madrid.