Adeje holds Emergency Security Meeting over Hotel Squatters, Illegal Taxis, and Street Sellers
Adeje’s Local Security Board met earlier today, Thursday 31st July, to tackle several pressing issues affecting public safety in the municipality. High on the agenda were the illegal occupation of the Hotel Callao Sport by squatters, unauthorised street vendors, illegal taxi services, and unregulated settlements (shanty towns).
The meeting, chaired by Mayor José Miguel Rodríguez Fraga, brought together senior officials, including Adeje’s Security Councillor Mercedes Vargas Delgado, Deputy Government Representative Jesús Javier Plata Vera, and representatives from the Guardia Civil, National Police, Canarian Police, and Adeje Local Police.
Mayor Fraga emphasised the importance of the meeting, saying it strengthens cooperation between the various police forces and government bodies, helping to ensure Adeje remains a safe place to live and visit.
“Our main concern right now is the illegal occupation of the Hotel Callao Sport in Callao Salvaje, and the problems it’s causing locally,” he said.
“We’ve maintained a 24-hour joint police presence at the site, and although this is a judicial matter, Adeje Town Hall will continue to act wherever possible.”
Deputy representative Jesús Javier Plata Vera praised the joint efforts, noting that “security only works when there is coordination. What we’re seeing in Adeje is proof that collaboration delivers results, even in difficult cases like the hotel squatters and illegal settlements.” He added that the overall security situation in the borough remains stable and under control.
KEY POINTS FROM THE MEETING:
Hotel Callao Sport:
The now-occupied hotel has been the site of over 160 police callouts this year, including incidents involving theft, arson attempts, gender violence, and fights. A recent inspection by social services found 24 children and three pregnant women were amongst those living in the hotel.
Permanent police monitoring will continue while the courts deal with the matter. The Canarian Police have requested that the social services report be formally shared so they can assess the children's welfare.
Further inspections of the building’s structure, safety, and planning status are planned by the council.
Illegal Settlements:
The Local Police have identified over 200 makeshift dwellings across Adeje, in areas such as El Puertito, some in dangerous condition and others reportedly being let to tourists on booking platforms. The report also highlighted environmental damage, illegal dumping of rubbish, unregulated animals, and even signs of an informal land-selling network. Authorities will now request urgent action from the Canary Islands environmental agency to stop further spread.
Illegal Taxi Services:
Authorities are seeing a rise in unauthorised taxi operations, especially in tourist zones, with 41 complaints already filed this year. Many involve repeat offenders or organised groups. The Guardia Civil and Local Police have agreed to increase collaboration to address the issue, which puts passengers at risk, as they don’t have the correct insurance, and affects licensed drivers.
Street Vending:
In the first six months of 2025, Adeje Local Police carried out 28 interventions against unauthorised street vendors, seizing fake goods. The National Police confirmed they will work with the Local Police to clamp down further once Adeje’s new beach patrol unit becomes active in the coming months.
Looking Ahead:
Security councillor Mercedes Vargas Delgado said the meeting had led to several agreed actions focused on four main areas:
1. Continuing close cooperation with the Guardia Civil on the hotel case.
2. Coordinating with Canarian Police and child welfare services to protect vulnerable minors.
3. Cracking down on illegal taxi services to protect public safety and licensed drivers.
4. Launching joint operations with the National Police to stop unauthorised street vending.
“We’re also reporting the environmental and cultural damage caused by illegal settlements to the regional authorities,” she added.
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