In the early hours of last Sunday, the Díaz Casanova industrial estate, located in Las Torres, became the scene of a large illegal vehicle race. This event has highlighted the growing concern among residents and the business sector in the area. This practice, described as "daily" by those affected, not only poses a danger to participants and attendees but also to the safety of residents and the integrity of urban infrastructure.
According to Juan Angulo, president of the Las Torres neighborhood association, the sound of vehicles and skidding began after midnight, alerting residents. Participants, who had initially gathered in the El Goro industrial area, moved to the Las Torres industrial estate after detecting the presence of a surveillance drone from the Telde authorities. The Local Police intervened with unmarked vehicles from the Special Unit of the Operational Intervention and Support Group (UE-Goia), resulting in one citation for reckless driving and seven for vehicle documentation irregularities or unapproved modifications.
“"I live about two kilometers away and I could hear the backfires and accelerations, it was something brutal. I didn't dare to enter the industrial estate because you risk getting hit by a car."
The situation worsens, according to Angulo, because the races often continue outside the industrial estate, affecting residential areas such as the roundabout of the San Miguel Funeral Home and Archivero Joaquín Blanco Street, in La Feria. What used to be sporadic incidents now occurs almost every weekend, creating a sense of helplessness among residents who, when contacting the police, are told there is a lack of personnel.
Businesses in the area have also expressed their alarm. Lorena Algor, secretary of the newly created Díaz Casanova Industrial Estate Business Association, met six months ago with Mayor Carolina Darias to address the insecurity, but no solutions have been provided to date. She has also requested increased police presence and the installation of speed bumps, known as "guardamuertos," from District Councilor Betsaida González, to deter these practices. Some business owners, like Lorena, have resorted to self-protection measures, such as fencing off warehouse entrances, due to the vandalism accompanying the races.
The City Council has reported that the Local Police, in collaboration with the National Police, intervened last Sunday and that operations will continue, reinforced with resources such as the drone unit, in response to citizen complaints and concerns.
