Acotur is calling for increased Guardia presence in Magalluf. | Michels

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Acotur, the tourist businesses association, is complaining about what it sees as an increase in insecurity, crime and disorder in Magalluf and Santa Ponsa as well as in other tourist resorts, such as Playa de Palma and Can Picafort.

Its president, Pepe Tirado, says that all these "excesses" have been permitted and tolerated for years and have resulted in the level of the sale of drugs, of pickpocketing and other offences. He wants the Guardia Civil presence in the resorts (National Police in Playa de Palma) to be increased, noting that the town hall in Calvia had asked for this. It has not received a response from the national government's delegation to the Balearics, which is responsible for state policing. Tirado observes that the now former delegate, Teresa Palmer, left her post in a hurry "without meeting her obligation". (Palmer left as she is standing for the Partido Popular at the general election.)

The association acknowledges the efforts made by the town hall and also businesses, which have been called upon to eliminate excesses. However, Tirado argues that these are still occurring, with there being many drinking promotions, leading to vandalism and anti-social behaviour by tourists in Magalluf and Santa Ponsa.

Acotur also highlights the number of prostitutes, the victims of "mafias" and organised gangs, as well as the drug selling. Furthermore, Tirado has pointed to the problem of illegal street selling and the harassment that tourists are subjected to. He adds that people "can lose their wallets" when being distracted by them. Overall, Acotur is criticising a "lack of political will" to control serious problems that increase each summer.