The chief commissioner of the Local Police, José María Pomares, acknowledged an increase in crime among minors associated with IES Playa Flamenca in a report sent to neighborhood representatives of the Orihuela coast’s two district councils. This report was read aloud by the councillor for the Coast, Manuel Mestre (Vox), during a meeting at the Playa Flamenca Town Hall on Monday.
Neighborhood activist and former head of Caritas in Orihuela Costa, Luis Carcedo, raised a number of issues during the meeting. Among them was residents’ concern over increased criminal activity in Orihuela Costa. Pomares stated that the number of cases handled by agents had not significantly increased recently but mentioned enhanced patrol presence and additional campaigns.
However, he did highlight the need for greater involvement from the Guardia Civil to address the situation effectively. He noted that crime control is the Civil Guard’s responsibility, with the Local Police providing support.
Pomares admitted that IES Playa Flamenca had become a ‘hot spot’ for minor-related incidents. While police presence around the school has increased, the parents association (AMPA) reported that, recently, agent presence at the school’s entrances and exits has been sporadic.
Pomares also addressed the issue of drug trafficking, stating that IES Playa Flamenca and surrounding areas, including the shopping center and leisure spots, have high incidence rates. AMPA confirmed frequent fights, brawls, and threats among minors, with some students hospitalized due to injuries.
The commissioner noted that abandoned houses near the school are hotspots for drug consumption and trafficking, with young people attempting to recruit other minors. The Local Police have detected trafficking of antidepressants and analgesic substitutes, raising concerns about their unknown origins.
Pomares refused to disclose details about patrols and agents assigned per shift, citing security reasons. The council’s legal department previously reported that 36 of the 156 Local Police officers in Orihuela are assigned to the coast.
Carcedo emphasized growing concern about youth crime around the high school, and Ciudadanos councillor Luisa Boné acknowledged the council’s efforts to reinforce Local Police numbers.
Regarding mobility issues, Pomares reported 246 fines for illegal parking in disabled spaces this year, with 123 in Orihuela Costa. He stated that officers are checking parking cards and adapting all available spaces to current legislation. Pomares claimed an average response time of 5 to 10 minutes for disabled citizens, though Carcedo recounted a case where it took one hour and 45 minutes to respond to a disabled person in need.
