During the early hours of Sunday, the Díaz Casanova-Vista Hermosa industrial area once again became an improvised circuit for illegal races and high-speed driving exhibitions. More than a hundred spectators gathered in the streets of this area of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.
The Local Police, with the intervention of the Operational Intervention and Support Group-Special Unit (GOIA-UE) and the Night Unit, in collaboration with the National Police Corps, deployed an operation that resulted in eight fines. One was for reckless driving and the other seven for various traffic infractions. Additionally, three technical inspection proposals were issued for unauthorized vehicle modifications, commonly known as 'tuning'.
Sources from the Local Police confirmed that no arrests were made and the operation successfully cleared the area. It was reported that participants and spectators had moved from the El Goro industrial estate in Telde to evade police controls there. Apparently, the organizer of the gathering decided to relocate it to Díaz Casanova after detecting the presence of a drone, which they attributed to the Telde Local Police.
“"We ask the Las Palmas de Gran Canaria City Council to resolve this with the business association, by closing the industrial park and with private security."
The Local Police of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, upon noticing the displacement to the upper part of the city, began controls in Díaz Casanova-Vista Hermosa. However, due to the hostile attitude of the attendees, who numbered over a hundred, reinforcements were requested to ensure safety and clear the area. Officers participating in the operation, deployed around 01:20 AM on Sunday, noted that "there were more people than ever" and expressed concern that the upcoming Canary Islands Rally could lead to new mass gatherings in the coming weeks.
The industrial estate's business association was not surprised by these incidents, as they claim they recur most weekends. They have informed various councilors and the Local Police about the problem, requesting the installation of speed bumps in the streets to prevent races and dangerous maneuvers. The Las Palmas de Gran Canaria City Council has assured that police surveillance and control operations will be maintained and reinforced, including the use of drones, to prevent and detect these illicit activities.
The Independent and Civil Servants Trade Union (CSIF) criticizes the lack of coordination in prevention efforts, noting that officers act at the request of the 092 due to the absence of strategies and directives from the Local Police Headquarters. For his part, Víctor García, secretary general of the Police and Firefighters Union (USPB), has urged the City Council to find an immediate solution, proposing the closure of the industrial park and the implementation of private security, especially at night. Residents in the area have been reporting insecurity and cleanliness issues stemming from these gatherings for years.
