San Miguel de Abona Residents Call for Increased Police Presence Amid Growing Security Concerns

The Guargacho–Punta del Lomo Residents’ Association in San Miguel de Abona, a municipality in Tenerife, has launched a petition aimed at increasing the number of local police personnel in response to escalating security issues that have been troubling the community. The residents are voicing their concerns over a perceived lack of adequate law enforcement, which they believe is essential for maintaining safety and order in their neighborhoods.

According to the association, the local council is in the process of hiring four new officials; however, they have pointed out that none of these positions will be allocated to the Local Police Force. This has raised alarms among residents, who characterize the current security situation as serious and indicative of deeper systemic issues. They argue that the existing deficiencies in police staffing go beyond mere administrative oversight and reflect a broader neglect of public safety. Furthermore, the association highlights that no extraordinary measures have been taken to address these staffing shortages, nor has there been a proactive request for the creation of new positions to bolster the police force.

Concerns Over Inadequate Police Staffing Levels

In a statement shared on social media, the Guargacho–Punta del Lomo Residents’ Association revealed that the Local Police Department in San Miguel de Abona is currently operating with only 12 active officers. This small force is responsible for serving a municipality with over 30,000 registered residents. The association emphasizes that the actual daily population is significantly higher, exceeding 35,000 when accounting for unregistered residents, tourists, and workers who frequent the area. They argue that such a low number of officers is grossly inadequate for ensuring sufficient police service coverage, especially during peak times or holiday seasons when the population swells.

The residents have conducted their own assessments and believe that a minimum of 54 officers is necessary to provide basic police services. However, they assert that a more appropriate number would range between 60 and 69 officers to adequately reflect the municipality’s population and geographical needs. This disparity between the current staffing levels and the residents’ expectations has led to growing frustration and calls for immediate action from local authorities.

Escalating Security Incidents Prompt Community Action

In recent months, particularly in April, residents from neighborhoods such as Guargacho and Llano del Camello have reported a troubling increase in security issues, including thefts and acts of vandalism, such as smashed car windows. These incidents have not only heightened fears among residents but have also prompted community leaders to take action. In response to these alarming trends, the San Miguel de Abona Council convened a Local Security Board meeting to address the municipality’s pressing security requirements, particularly following a violent assault on a woman that resulted in an arrest.

During this meeting, council members engaged directly with affected residents, assuring them that an increased police presence would be implemented in light of the rising incidents of vandalism and theft. They committed to filling vacant positions as swiftly as possible and improving public lighting in areas that have been identified as hotspots for crime. Despite these assurances, the local council has maintained that the municipality is statistically one of the safest in the southern region of Tenerife, a claim that many residents find hard to reconcile with their lived experiences.

In June, the council announced the initiation of a selection process for three Local Police positions. However, the ongoing lack of police personnel continues to be a primary concern for many residents, who feel that the measures taken thus far are insufficient to address the growing safety issues in their community. The residents are calling for a more comprehensive approach to public safety that includes not only increased staffing but also enhanced community engagement and proactive crime prevention strategies.

Key points

• The Guargacho–Punta del Lomo Residents’ Association is actively petitioning for an increase in police officers in San Miguel de Abona.
• The local council is in the process of hiring four new officials, but none will be assigned to the Local Police Force.
• The Local Police Department currently operates with only 12 active officers for a population exceeding 30,000 residents.
• The actual daily population is estimated to exceed 35,000, including unregistered individuals and tourists.
• Residents believe that at least 54 officers are necessary to ensure adequate police service coverage.
• There has been a noticeable rise in security incidents, including thefts and vandalism, in recent months.
• The council has promised to enhance police presence and fill vacant positions, but residents remain skeptical about the effectiveness of these measures.