The videos of this happening have been sent to the British press but they are no longer interested in printing something every day. The medical centres have been full this summer with victims who have either been robbed or assaulted, but when they have gone to make a statement, the Guardia Civil - depending on who was on duty - were unhelpful. I personally allowed a young Swedish couple to use my mobile phone to phone home because they were in tears as they’d been robbed on the beach at 2pm, gone to the Guardia and been told to come back later. No sympathy or empathy. We need our tourists to feel safe and to look as if something is being done.
There have been more people who have been treated for having their drinks spiked than any year I’ve lived here. I’ve stood and watched people walk with bottles in front of the local police and nothing said to them. Credit card scams are probably up 1000 per cent if you read the Trip Advisor reviews. It's obvious, if people are not being allowed to report the crimes, Madrid and local government offices are not getting the true figures. Please Mayor of Calvia and British Consul, speak with the residents who live and work in the area and don’t make the mistake of Manu Onieva and ignore us.
We need our resorts cleaned up and tourists to return. Not negative comments on social networks.
Liz Dobson
Dear Sir,
We holidayed in Majorca in mid-September and had a lovely time. While we were there, I visited a friendly, informal English-speaking church called “The Upper Room” (even though it’s on the ground floor) at 11am on Sunday morning in Palmanova. We sang joyful modern praise music. Everyone is welcome there, including holidaymakers and residents. There’s no need to dress up for it, as casual clothes are fine.
It’s only about five minutes’ walk from Palmanova’s main shopping area, in a road at the back of the beach, in Calle Paris 8, which is a door or two away from O’Neill’s Bar. When we next holiday in Palmanova I will visit this friendly group again.
Best Wishes,
Ann Wills
Greater London
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Sue, at the Bulletin we are only too aware of the problem, and it has been mentioned many times. I, for one, have done so regularly in my columns. Until the issue is tackled seriously, any gains that are being made in Magalluf will be far from complete. It is not something to be glossed over. In Playa de Palma, where the problem has been as great, the National Police have acted. Thirty were detained, some now in prison, others - the women on the streets - with restraining orders issued by a judge, and others still (women) being given assistance because of exploitation by the gangleaders. The National Police acted, as they were aware of increased numbers, while victims had come forward to report crimes. Ultimately, this is an issue for forces higher than the local police or the town hall, i.e. it is for the Guardia in Magalluf. Experience in Arenal suggests things can be done. Thanks for writing in.
I have to agree with Liz Dobson regarding the prostitutes (muggers). This is a problem that has been going on for too many years, and something drastic needs to be done. Every night throughout the summer I watch them performing from my balcony. It is the same gangs that come back every year. I would like to invite the mayor, police or a reporter from the Bulletin to sit on my balcony and witness just what goes on here. Or are they afraid they might just learn the truth!!