The San Ginés celebrations in Arrecife are gearing up for their busiest days with a significant security enhancement. The National Police will mobilize up to 50 officers simultaneously for events expected to draw the largest crowds, during festivities running until August 25th.
The main focus of this operation will be on the final day of the festivities, anticipating one of the concerts with the highest expected attendance. Police estimates suggest an influx of over 30,000 people, necessitating intensified surveillance across the key areas of the Lanzarote capital.
The security detail will be active throughout the twelve days of celebration, prioritizing the prevention of overcrowding, deterrence of crimes, and ensuring the smooth running of concerts, street parties, and other scheduled events.
During peak days, up to fifty officers from various units, including the Citizen Assistance Group, Response Operational Group, Judicial Police, Intelligence, and the Prevention and Reaction Unit (UPR), will be deployed across different parts of Arrecife. All will be coordinated through the CIMACC 091 room, maintaining fluid communication with 112 and the event organizers.
The attendance forecast, estimating over 30,000 attendees for some San Ginés concerts, mirroring the event on August 15th, is a key factor in the operation's planning. Events are concentrated in locations such as the Recinto Ferial, Playa del Reducto, Parque Islas Canarias, Avenida Vargas, and Avenida César Manrique, aiming to anticipate potential issues in high-concentration zones.
The operation will address not only access control and crowd management but also pay special attention to potential disturbances, alcohol and drug consumption, theft, and sexual offenses. The presence of groups linked to itinerant organized crime will be monitored, particularly in crowded areas where pickpocketing might occur.
The National Police has issued recommendations for attendees, suggesting writing down a contact number in a visible place for children if attending crowded areas. They also advise carrying only essentials, keeping bags and backpacks closed and preferably in front of the body, avoiding leaving valuables visible in vehicles, and exercising caution when withdrawing cash in busy areas. In case of disturbance, the advice is to move away and alert officers or call 091.
