Raúl Espigares, the vice president of an Arenal neighbourhood association and a reporter for Llucmajor Television, says that this summer has been the worst for insecurity in Arenal and that "things are getting worse".
There have long been issues with anti-social behaviour and crime, but a spokesperson for another association, Amics del Arenal, adds that "this year has been the pinnacle". There have been dozens of muggings and other robberies. The problems have been reported to Llucmajor Town Hall, but the councillor for the area has "downplayed" them.
Espigares explains that neighbourhood groups have been formed. "There's so much fear that they go out together to avoid being robbed." The robbing doesn't only occur after dark; it's at all times of the day and there are "repeat offenders".
Neighbourhood protests have been taking place at night by places where pickpockets and others are believed to be. One of these is a vacant lot being used for parking that is close to a school. "They threaten and intimidate the children. There's fear because they remember your face and then see you during the day. The elderly carry a whistle so that if they are robbed, pushed, or whatever, they can warn others," adds Espigares.
A motorhome was abandoned and has had squatters. Currently, there is a group of Spaniards and Romanians who appear to be responsible for many of the crimes. "They're repeat offenders. We don't have a problem with homelessness; we know there are homeless people, but if a homeless person becomes a criminal, something has to be done."
The residents are demanding an immediate response from the authorities and want police and Guardia Civil reinforcements as well as a video surveillance system.