The El Fraile neighborhood, in the Tenerife municipality of Arona, is in an uproar against insecurity. Residents and merchants have voiced their concerns about a severe situation of vandalism and an increase in robberies and assaults that have plunged the area into a climate of "frustration and worry," according to Sandra Tormo, secretary of the Santa Isabel de Portugal neighborhood association.
Vandalism, including broken shop windows, has been occurring since October of last year. One business has had its windows smashed eight times, and in one instance, Cajasiete had two ATMs damaged on the same day. A pharmacy has also been targeted. Tormo states that the alleged perpetrator is known, and despite being reported and tried, continues his behavior. The association considers these acts "vandalism" rather than mere "hooliganism," suggesting the need for intervention due to potential mental health issues.
“"I wouldn't call it hooliganism, because the person committing these acts is not a kid; it's more like vandalism. Perhaps it's a mental problem that needs help."
Concurrently, street robberies have increased, targeting purses, mobile phones, and shopping bags, often snatched from the elderly or children. Tormo explains that these thefts are carried out by various individuals seeking money to fund addictions, linking this problem to the presence of "abandoned cars" used as makeshift homes. Supermarkets are frequent targets, with reports of individuals entering "7 times a day to steal," taking items like octopus or canned goods to resell.
“"They are living off petty crime and satisfying their drug dependency needs. They go in and steal octopus, canned goods, bottles of oil, and then they go out and sell them to someone who buys them."
“"We are not the dumping ground of Arona."
The neighborhood representative expresses frustration over the concentration of social problems in the area and calls for housing solutions for those living on the streets. The community denounces a "lack of communication" with the Arona City Council, which has not granted meetings, and a perceived lack of police presence despite the hiring of new officers. Residents criticize the inaction regarding situations like people drinking in public spaces outside supermarkets, which creates insecurity and deters shoppers.
