The security situation in the municipality of Agaete has reached a critical point for local merchants. One business owner, who runs a sports shop, was forced to sleep in his own premises to avoid becoming a victim of the constant robberies plaguing the area, a decision he publicly shared.
According to the shopkeeper's testimony, assaults were almost daily, with an impunity that made the situation unsustainable for local businesses. He stated that the problem was not an isolated incident but affected several of his colleagues.
“"My colleagues in other businesses, well, they were broken into on the same night, up to 2 times on the same night."
This desperation led him to spend a week sleeping in his establishment, on the floor with a blanket and pillow, surrounded by shoe boxes. The accumulated fatigue and psychological stress took their toll, causing him to develop a fever and barely being able to rest.
The situation seems to have calmed down after the shopkeeper posted a video that generated strong social pressure. This, he believes, has led criminals to hold back, and he has noticed an increased presence of the Guardia Civil.
The business owner has reinforced his shop's security with more alarms and has urged the Agaete Town Council to take action and seek necessary assistance from competent administrations to resolve a problem that has disrupted the traditional tranquility of the coastal town.
