'Operación Verano', Operation Summer, is an annual campaign for strengthening security in the main tourist areas in Mallorca and the Balearics. It involves reinforcing the state security forces - Guardia Civil, National Police. In the case of what is Mallorca's main tourist trouble spot, Playa de Palma, the National Police have responsibility.
The name Playa de Palma was a hoteliers' marketing invention of the 1960s. A series of resorts, one of them is Arenal, which is where trouble is mainly concentrated. Operation Summer in Palma has so far yielded some 450 arrests, 190 of them in Playa de Palma; these will overwhelmingly have been in Arenal.
The operation will remain active until the end of September. Crime is said to have been reduced this summer. Police resources have never been greater; the National Police obviously work closely with Palma Police, who have added deployment.
The night shift for the National Police ends at 5am. On a typical night, like this Friday into Saturday, officers have a good idea what they can expect, while always being prepared for the unpredictable. Within Arenal, one of the key places for police attention is the so-called 'Schinkenstrasse', a nickname that reflects the decades-long strong German presence.
Officers say this street is a scene of frequent fights and thefts as well as issues related to street vending and drug use. Shortly after midnight, a far from untypical situation arises. A foreign national, known to police, is identified. He is with two other foreigners, both German. Several doses of drugs ready for sale are found. One of the three tries to run off; he is captured shortly afterwards.
A key element of Operation Summer is the increased presence of plainclothes officers, said to have been important in reducing crime. These officers notify uniformed patrols, who carry out the necessary actions.
Surveillance isn't solely focused on drug-related crime. There are medical emergencies to attend to, there are disturbances in public areas, and there are thefts that require response. Officers emphasise that the main objective is to ensure the safety of tourists.