Businesses in Los Cristianos complain about surge in break-ins and robberies
A growing wave of break-ins in Los Cristianos has forced several businesses to hire private security guards at night, as traders warn that the situation is worsening rather than improving. Shop owners say that for the past six weeks, hardly a night goes by without one or two premises being targeted.
The issue has been raised by the Los Cristianos Open Shopping Zone Association during a meeting with Arona Council, attended by councillors responsible for environment and public safety.
The meeting, which brought together representatives from commercial areas across the municipality, aimed to address shared concerns affecting local businesses.
During the session, the association submitted a formal document repeating complaints first raised a year ago. However, they claim that little progress has been made since then. “The situation has not only failed to improve, in some respects, it has clearly got worse,” they said.
Business owners describe a troubling picture when it comes to safety. Police presence in the area is widely seen as insufficient given the high level of commercial, residential and tourist activity.
They point to two main problems: pickpocketing, particularly affecting tourists along Las Vistas promenade and Avenida Juan Carlos I, and a surge in nighttime burglaries of local businesses.
In the past two months, thefts have risen sharply, especially in the area between Avenida de Suecia and Juan XXIII. Some weeks have seen as many as ten businesses targeted. Traders claim many of the offenders are repeat individuals, often identifiable through CCTV footage.
“The next day, we can’t open for business while waiting for the police to inspect the premises,” one shopkeeper explained.
Concerns have also been raised about a visible decline in public spaces, due to an increase in people sleeping rough. Traders report frequent incidents involving alcohol and drug use in the streets, adding to the sense of insecurity.
In response, the council has proposed regular follow-up meetings to monitor problem areas and is awaiting the deployment of additional Local Police officers to patrol the coastal area and promenade.
Share:
