The Arona Socialist Group has urged the local council to open police stations in Los Cristianos and El Fraile. These stations were prepared during the tenure of former mayor José Julián Mena but have yet to commence full operations. The group is calling for a community policing model to enhance the presence of officers on the streets and respond more effectively to the needs of residents, businesses, and tourists.
José Julián Mena highlighted that public safety should be a top priority for the council, especially with the summer season approaching, which sees a significant increase in the population and tourist activity.
Mena expressed concern that strategic projects from the previous administration remain undeveloped. He stated, “Our government established police stations in Los Cristianos and El Fraile to strengthen security in these key areas. However, they are not fulfilling their intended roles.”
The Los Cristianos police office, intended as a local support centre, currently offers limited services, mostly related to lost property, with restricted hours. Similarly, the El Fraile office has not effectively served its purpose, despite being located in a densely populated area with notable safety needs.
Mena emphasised the necessity for a visible and approachable police presence, stating, “A community police that understands local issues and promotes safety is essential for improving coexistence.”
Councillor Francisco Marichal noted ongoing concerns from residents and business owners about inadequate police presence, particularly regarding issues like illegal street trading and drug trafficking, especially in areas such as Las Verónicas.
Marichal pointed out that local police unions have publicly recognised the challenges posed by insufficient personnel during certain shifts, leaving a single patrol to cover extensive areas, including Los Cristianos, Playa de Las Américas, El Fraile, and Las Galletas.
He added, “The local council cannot ignore these alerts from those who know the service best. Arona needs increased police presence as we enter the peak tourist season.”
The Socialists also believe it is crucial to revive plans for a new local police headquarters, provide necessary resources for better service, and install surveillance cameras in areas where they can deter crime, like Cho-Parque La Reina.
Mena concluded, “In response to the local government’s inaction, the PSOE is proposing clear, actionable solutions: open the prepared police stations, restore community policing, increase officer presence, complete the new police headquarters, and equip the municipality with the tools needed to enhance security. It’s time to turn promises into actions.”
