Palma.The move comes in response to constant complaints from residents and businesses in Palma's historic centre who claim that the number of illegal street traders, pickpockets and carnation sellers is on the increase.
The various Local Police units in Palma have therefore set up a special division of eight full-time officers on foot patrol, a deputy inspector and the back-up of the Mounted Police section and dog handlers.
Deputy Inspector Joan Torres said yesterday: The presence of Local Police in pedestrian-only areas is extremely important. In some of the vehicle-free streets in Palma, such as Calle Síndicato, Olmos, Sant Miquel, Plaza Mayor, Es Born, l'Hort del Rei and Plaça Espanya, the large numbers of tourists attract carnation sellers (who then steal money) , pickpockets and unlicensed street traders.
These practices are strictly illegal and the Local Police are making a determined effort to wipe them out, Torres added.
So far, the police operation has met with encouraging success as reportedly the number of illegal street traders in the centre of Palma has diminished significantly.
Businesses see the street vendors as unfair competition as they pay none of the commercial tax demanded by the City Council. The small to medium-sized business association Pimeco had even recently suggested that as well as cracking down on street selling practices, those people who buy from them also ought to be fined.
Meanwhile however, traders have applauded the difference made to fair trade in central Palma by the Local Police patrols. As well as uniformed officers, there are also plain clothed Local Police operating in pedestrian-only areas.
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