The Spanish coast in the Costa del Sol is faced with a significant increase in crime, which disrupts the peace and safety of a popular holiday destination. Since the beginning of the year, the police have already recorded ten cases of shooting, behind them local drug clanswhich seems to be balancing accounts, says.
In a region that attracts thousands of tourists every year, The number of violent crimes is increasing. The statistics of the Local Ministry of the Interior show alarming numbers in the first three months of the year. Six murders, 14 murder attempts, six kidnapping and up to 242 cases of bodily harm. This dark side of Costa del Sol brings serious concerns not only to locals but also to tourists.
Already on January 24, he fired a drug traders’ clan in the Palmilla’s district 50 shots of automatic weapons. Less than a month later, 1 March, a 39-year-old man was shot in the same areaand his alleged perpetrator suffered a gunshot injury on his leg.
In April, the situation further intensified. On April 3, an unknown man began shooting on the street Gaucin on a white day, with four people being injured. Two weeks later, April 17, there was another shooting in the neighborhood of Portada Alta, where two people were injured. According to the investigation, this was a family conflict, but one of the five detainees was taken into custody.
Violent incidents continued in Marbella, where one man seriously injured another one of a man at the shooting near the nightclub. A few days later, April 21, there was another shooting in Mijas, where the British citizen died. There was a burning car with a gun inside.
On April 22, there were shots in Estepona, which did not claim any victims, but caused panic and the emergency was a number of cops. At the end of the month, April 30, a man was shot in Hamillader and a 70-year-old woman suffered injuries. The three suspects surrendered shortly afterwards. In May, namely the 11th day, a man was shot in the underground parking lot in the Cruz de Hamilladero district, but there has been no arrest.
These events are strongly concerned about the Costa del Sol residents and at the same time underline the seriousness of organized crime and violence problems in this popular tourist region. The British Foreign Ministry draws attention to the most common threats that can affect travelers:
- Street crime: Thieves often use various tricks to pay attention and work in groups. Therefore, be particularly careful with your documents, money and personal things.
- Highway Fraud: Fraudsters focus mainly on foreign and rented cars. They may stop you saying that your vehicle has a problem or have damaged their car. If you decide to stop, do it in a public and well -lit place, such as a gas station. Be cautious of people who offer you “help”. Be aware of people pretending to be cops in civile, unmarked police cars have a flashing inscription “Police” or “Guardia Civil” on the rear window. Real police will only ask you to submit documents, never to hand over a bag or wallet.
- Drugs in drinks and alcohol: Be extremely vigilant towards possible drug administration such as GHB or liquid ecstasy. Always buy your own drinks and keep them under supervision. Alcohol and drugs can significantly reduce your attention and lead to loss of control over the situation.
