The summer of 2025 is said to have been a turning point for Playa de Palma. The season has been positive in terms of revenue, but the greatest achievement - according to the hoteliers - has been a sharp drop in crime and antisocial behaviour.
Police reinforcement by Palma Town Hall - an additional thirty officers - is believed to have been key in helping to restore order in a resort area (mainly that of the 'Ballermann' in Arenal) where matters really had been getting out of control. This reinforcement will be in place until the end of October.
However, businesses continue to demand greater involvement from the National Police, which remains clearly insufficient as far as they are concerned. The president of the Playa de Palma Hoteliers Association, Pedro Marín, says: "We are very disappointed with the Spanish Government Delegation. If they supported us, we would have the safest area in Mallorca in just a couple of years."
While local crime figures for the season won't be known for a few weeks, the general perception among businesses and residents is of a significant reduction in thefts, robberies, and drug dealing.
Marín adds that there has also been a noticeable decrease in alcohol consumption and associated antisocial behaviour. "This type of tourist is inhibited by the police presence. You no longer see the drinking parties you used to see or the problems you had on the most troubled streets." However, there is one major issue that hasn't been addressed - illegal street selling, which has been on the increase. "It's something that's getting out of hand."