Residents of Callao Salvaje, in the south of Tenerife, are becoming increasingly concerned about the situation at the former Hotel Callao Sport, a complex originally designed for sports tourism, which has been closed for five years since the start of the pandemic, and has now been taken over by squatters.
According to reports gathered by Cope Canarias, at least 50 rooms were initially occupied, but that has doubled to 100 in just two weeks, leading to disturbances such as continuous noise, lights left on throughout the night, as well as a growing sense of insecurity.
In just two weeks, the number of occupied rooms has doubled, and residents have pointed to the presence of people, they believe, are linked to criminal networks profiting from the situation. This has set off alarm bells in what is typically a quiet and safe area.
The Adeje Town Hall has stated that the property’s owner has begun legal proceedings but emphasised that security matters fall under the jurisdiction of the National Police and the Guardia Civil. However, the Local Police have intervened in cases that fall within their remit when requested by residents.
One concerned resident, Pedro, shared his experience on COPE Radio in Tenerife, confirming that all the rooms of the hotel are now occupied. He estimated that more than 200 people, mainly of foreign nationalities, are living there. He also reported thefts and looting within the complex, with furniture and other materials being dismantled and allegedly sold on online platforms.
According to Pedro, authorities have intervened several times due to thefts of objects and machinery from the hotel. He also claimed that three people appear to be leading these illegal activities, charging for the use of rooms.
Residents continue to feel uneasy as they await an effective resolution from the relevant authorities, with many expressing frustrations that "the Guardia Civil have done nothing."
