Concern over security in Puerto de la Duquesa, highlighted in recent days after a further assault in the middle of the restaurant area, which we reported on in this outlet, has prompted a swift institutional response. This morning a meeting was held between a sizeable group of business owners, residents, municipal officials and security forces to analyse the situation and put forward specific measures.
The meeting was led by the mayor of Manilva and other councillors, along with representatives of the Guardia Civil and the Local Police. On the table were the security problems identified in this key area of the municipality and the growing unease among local businesses.
The meeting comes barely a few days after several business owners publicly warned of a deterioration in security at the port, pointing to incidents of threats, intimidation and illegal activities. A situation which, they insisted, was affecting both economic activity and the image of the tourist spot.
Alongside the meeting, a major police checkpoint was also carried out in the area during the day, in what appears to be a first visible gesture of the stronger security so strongly demanded by business owners and residents in the area.
The Town Hall stressed that security is a priority for the governing team and outlined a series of measures that are already under way or being implemented. These include extending the hours of Local Police patrols throughout the week, as well as a commitment to keep working steadily to reduce insecurity not only in Puerto de la Duquesa, but across the whole municipality.
The authorities also appealed for public cooperation, encouraging residents and shopkeepers to report any criminal incident. In this regard, the Guardia Civil reminded those present of the importance of such reports under the current legal framework, particularly in the fight against repeat offending, and said they can also be filed online.
The meeting also addressed issues relating to business activity at the port, such as the review of opening hours and licences, with the aim of improving coexistence and organisation in the area.
This meeting is the first step following the public complaints made by the sector, which is now waiting to see whether the announced measures manage to reverse a situation it considers urgent. In the meantime, surveillance and checks are beginning to be stepped up in one of the most emblematic spots on the Manilva coast.
