Have a safe summer

THOUSANDS of police are being drafted in to the Costa del Sol to ensure summer tourists have a safe and happy holiday.
Andalucian law enforcement agencies will swell with reinforcements with more than 8,600 new officers contracted.
Antonio Sanz, delegate of the Andalucian government, has appointed extra men to bolster law enforcement and security agencies, boosting their ranks by 23.7 per cent over last summer.  
Sanz´s Safe Tourism Plan – apart from the increase in officers – aims to increase public safety and convey a sense of security. It will also provide more effective care for victims of crime  and improve security and safety at shows or events.
The show of force is also designed to increase surveillance and prevent crime on public transport, including bus stops, train stations, ports and airports as well as at hotels, beaches and campsites.
Andalucia is a pioneer in its efforts to more effectively care for tourists affected by crime.  In the capitals of Granada, Sevilla and Malaga as well as along the coast in Almuñecar, Benalmadena and Mijas, centres have been established to advise and assist tourists who have been the victims of crime. Staff at the centres are multilingual and trained to diplomatically handle such situations, setting visitors at ease and making them feel more protected.  Centres operate under the acronym SATE (Servicio de Atención al Turista Extranjero.)
The plan also addresses traffic issues, offering an app designed to inform tourists and citizens of traffic accidents, delays and alternative routes.  In addition, there will be a total of five helicopters: two from the Civil Guard, a PEGASUS National Police aircraft and two helicopters to monitor the roads from the air.