The Local Police of La Orotava, alongside the Civil Guard, has recently taken action to evict several occupied homes in the historical centre of the town over the past three months, during which some vacant properties have been secured with boarding as a precautionary measure.
The La Orotava City Council issued a statement revealing that further measures are under consideration “to enhance security within the municipality”, including the installation of surveillance cameras in select squares, for which permission has been sought from the Government Subdelegation.
The Mayor of La Orotava, Francisco Linares, and the Councillor for Security, Narciso Pérez, noted that over the past three months “the Villa has experienced the occupation of uninhabited residences by individuals who have caused significant issues related to coexistence.”
The statement added that these incidents “have raised concerns, prompting efforts from the beginning to eliminate this situation swiftly and to support the most affected residents with guidance and assistance at all times.”
Linares commended the efforts of the security forces as well as the cooperation of the residents “which has enabled us to achieve the objective by the end of this process”, although he cautioned: “the work does not conclude here.”
He further stated that the local government will advocate for “new measures to enhance security in the municipality and to help prevent similar occurrences in the future.”
To this end, various properties in the historic centre, which may be vulnerable to new occupations, are currently under observation, and their owners are being contacted to strengthen their protective measures.
In instances where the owners are unreachable, the city council is taking action by securing the premises with walls as a precaution against occupation.
Another initiative being considered is the implementation of surveillance cameras in various squares throughout the town.
Additionally, Linares is advancing reinforcements in public safety through the addition of local police officers – ten new recruits will soon be integrated, with another seven positions expected to be announced next year – together with the Civil Guard and in collaboration with the Canary Islands Police.
“La Orotava has always been a secure municipality and we shall continue to work alongside the security forces to ensure it remains a safe place,” the mayor emphasised.