Scourge of Vileness in Calvia
Dear Sir,
I write regarding the above issue which is clearly still a huge and increasing issue primarily in Magalluf itself. Until March 2014 I lived in Palmanova for the previous ten years and watched the resort slip in the its current state of decline.
I am not referring to constant Media hype surrounding the behaviour of “Brits abroad”, but to the “scourge” of the vile African “street muggers, alleged prostitutes, and Eastern European pick pockets” that have now virtually taken over the resort and seeming nobody is prepared to take action.
Since returning to the UK I have watched with interest via Social Media and Majorca Daily Bulletin, the constant barrage of activity by Business Owners and Residents alike all calling for Calvia in conjunction with Guardia Civil and Policia Local to take action. Many of the people continually posting on Facebook etc. are the same people time after time. They must now be totally exacerbated as it is evident that their voices are not being heard. I have even read comments where people are resorting to taking the matter into their own hands.
What astounds me is that to the majority of people, there is a belief that Calvia simply do not care about this issue and are not prepared to act. I am due to visit the resort imminently with 6 friends, we have also discussed the issue of our security in resort and made a plan to stick together when travelling home late at night. Let me ask you a direct question, would you wish to have to make a “safety plan” prior to your holiday?
If it wasn’t that we have so many good friends in Magalluf / Palmanova we would almost certainly not be returning.
Again since returning to the UK I have held many discussions with friends and acquaintances about their feelings on the decline of the area especially with the street muggers on the increase.
Most of the people I have spoken with have said they would never visit Magalluf or Palmanova they themselves nor their families. Forgetting the issues of Bar Crawls etc which occur in resorts all across Europe, they are nothing new and are not the reason Calvia Hotspots have the reputation they have.
People have the right to enjoy their holidays that they have saved all year for. Nobody in their right mind would travel to a resort where their safety could be compromised. There are huge plans and a massive investment in the resort which is great to see and I am sure everyone I know in the area is pleased as this can only improve their businesses and their quality of life. Is it not blatantly obvious that this “scourge of Vileness” will counteract every effort that is being made to improve the lives of residents, businesses and the one important factor which Calvia seem to have forgotten THE TOURISTS?
I genuinely feel for so many people I know who campaign tirelessly for action to be taken only for this to seemingly fall on deaf ears.
I do know members of Guardia Civil who hold senior rank and they have explained that on many occasions “their hands are tied” unless they catch these scum in the act of committing a criminal offence. I accept this to a certain extent but if all authorities refused to take action until they catch perpetrators, everywhere would become lawless!
I cannot accept there is nothing that can be done, I assume that Calvia have their own thoughts on how this situation should be managed and I would be delighted to hear these thoughts.
Forgetting the behaviour of the tourists during the much publicised Media scramble in the UK. Let us not forget these stories sell newspapers and make compelling TV whilst raising awareness and failing to highlight the many positives.
Calvia is a great resort and a stunning part of the world with beautiful beaches and something for everyone.
I am saddened that it is widely perceived that only Residents, local businesses and people who have returned to the UK care about this issue.
I look forward to your response in due course.
Regards,
Martin Headford
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