Bobbies join Balearic beat as UK police support Guardia Civil in tourist hotspots

TWO UK police officers will be supporting the Guardia Civil in the tourist hubs of Magaluf and San Antonio during a two-week trial this month.

Two officers from West Midlands Police, a sergeant and a police constable, will patrol alongside Spanish colleagues in the resorts as part of their annual summer tourist security initiative.

The trial, funded by and planned in conjunction with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), will build on an already successful initiative run by the Guardia Civil that sees their officers policing various tourist hotspots with colleagues from France, Germany, Italy, Portugal and Morocco.

As part of the trial, officers Anderson and Williams will perform a variety of supportive roles, including assisting Spanish colleagues with any investigations where UK nationals are involved in crime either as victims, witnesses, offenders or in any other way, as well as taking part in proactive patrols to offer reassurance to tourists and locals alike.

National Police Chiefs’ Council Lead on International Policing, Chief Constable Andy Marsh, said:

“We routinely work with foreign forces to help tackle crime, gather and share intelligence and develop our officers’ skills and knowledge.

“This trial deployment of officers to work alongside the Guardia Civil is a further step in developing these strong links and builds on the success that Spanish colleagues have seen when working with colleagues from other countries in a similar way.

“Their presence will offer reassurance to both locals and UK citizens in areas that significantly increase in population during the busy summer holiday season and provide support to victims of crime during what can be a traumatic experience, especially when away from home.”

Euro Weekly News spoke to some business owners in the area, who while welcoming the British bobbies to their Balearic beat, said Magaluf had already seen real improvements recently.

Cathy Sinclair, who owns Sinky’s bar, said: “I have had my business here for over 30 years and so I have seen changes over the decades. In the past year I have seen a big difference for the better in Magaluf as there is more control on the streets and at the airports too. Young people still come here and have a good time, and there is no harm in that. 

“My husband and I enjoy an evening out, and now it is a pleasure to walk about after 10pm, just like it was many years ago. I think with the addition of lights in ‘The Strip’ area, it has also made it a better and safer place to be.”

Bobby Drummond, of the Bronze Bar, said the resort’s problems needed more than just policing: “The problem lies with many of the hotels offering all-inclusive, not to families, but to hen and stag parties, and that can be abused. 

“As well as policing the area, the hotels should not encourage these parties.”