In 2008, Torrevieja was granted permission to allow six officers to patrol the Markets, Streets and popular Bar areas of Torrevieja in plainclothes, an act not commonly undertaken by local police. Such has been the success of this scheme that the number has been increased to twelve, a welcome addition as we head into the holiday season.
Since November 2008, Torrevieja has seen a reduction of 70% in the amount of non-licensed street vendors and the illegal sale of fake goods in the Wednesday and Friday markets, The Paseo de la Libertad, Vista Alegre, on the beaches and around Torrevieja’s busy Bar zone, La Punta del Barrio.
Torrevieja’s Mayor commented that the officers’ effectiveness has also had an effect on cutting down on of sales of alcohol to underage drinkers, antisocial behaviour, pubs closing on time, violations of noise requirements and the sale of drugs.
Mayor Mateo Hernandez welcomed the adoption of this request and said that "no doubt we will continue to strengthen public security and prevent crimes in these parts of the city." He also noted that since January 2009 the local police had seized 5586 fake dvd's, 2167 cd's, 1097 fake sunglasses plus jewellery, clothing, watches and cosmetics, besides arresting 25 people for various offences, issuing 54 complaints to the courts for breach of bylaws plus assisting the other police forces.
