Calvia residents express their approval of new police patrols

Mayor Margarita Nájera, accompanied by deputy Mayor Manel Suarez, responsible for relations with residents, and Jaime Jaume Marcó, head of the local police, have been presenting the new ‘men on the beat' foot patrols to the residents of various areas of Calvia. The presentations started on May 27 in Cas Catala, Illetes, Bendinat, Portals and Costa d'en Blanes, and ended last week in Peguera and El Toro. At all the meetings residents expressed their approval of the new service, which has been functioning for three months. This was reflected at the meetings in Calvia and Es Capdella. During the meeting, residents explained the problems which had been encountered and the council and police promised to find solutions. Residents in Calvia complained about the noise of motorbikes which also on occasions went too fast. Mayor Nájera spoke of the possibility of pedestrianising the centre, but said that the council would do what the residents wanted. Another of the problems was the number of dogs which run loose through the streets at night and often tear open bags of rubbish as well as causing other problems. The police force now has 67 patrolmen, six officers and two sergeants who are on duty in the six areas where the ‘man on the beat' programme has been introduced. Suarez said that 15 policemen have been released from administrative duties to patrol the streets, and added that the patrols would be increased now that summer is here. Palma has also introduced more police patrols as one of the means of combatting the rise in crime, particularly muggings.