SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE 2 December (EUROPA PRESS) –
The National Police has bolstered the number of officers in the shopping districts of the Canary Islands, where there is a significant influx of the public. This operation will be maintained throughout the Christmas period as part of the enhanced ‘Safe Trade Plan’.
This initiative aims to safeguard the retail sector and its customers year-round, and during specific times such as the festive season, it is augmented to reduce the rise in criminal activities that occur during this time against both merchants and patrons of shopping areas.
Throughout the Christmas season, police efforts will be heightened through targeted operational measures in areas that see large gatherings, particularly in shopping and leisure zones, Christmas markets, and entertainment venues.
The increase in officers, with a special focus on maintaining a visible police presence, aims to enhance public safety through the execution of specific plans in each location coordinated by the respective provincial police departments, the National Police noted in a statement.
The initiative also includes the participation of the Citizen Participation delegations, primarily tasked with establishing continuous contact with businesses and associations representing the commercial sector to engage them in their own safety.
As a result of this initiative, merchants are provided with direct service and more efficient support.
Simultaneously, as the presence of officers rises in the busiest shopping streets, guides and leaflets prepared by the National Police will be distributed, offering safety advice to associations and retailers.
These publications encompass essential advice to consider throughout various phases of commerce – from acquisition, transportation, distribution, and sale to online trading and payment methods – in addition to information regarding ‘modus operandi’, actions to take in the event of criminal activity, or filing complaints.
Among the recommendations put forth by the National Police for this festive season, it is advised to primarily use electronic payment methods, have counterfeit bill detectors, handle personal data in accordance with current regulations, be vigilant towards individuals exhibiting suspicious behaviour, seek assistance from professionals authorised by the National Police to install security measures in a premises, and refrain from touching items if one observes or experiences a criminal incident.
Additionally, if a merchant notices that the door of their premises is forced or ajar, they should not enter and should call 091.