Calpe has registered a decrease in the number of crimes of 9.8 percent in the months of July, August, and September, compared to the same period last year. These figures were announced at the Calpe Local Security Board meeting at the Town Hall, which was also attended by the Government sub-delegate in Alicante, Juan Antonio Nieves, the Mayoress of Calpe, Ana Sala, together with the Councillor for Public Safety, Guillermo Sendra, and representatives of the Local Police, National Police and Regional Police.
The Calpe company of the Alicante Command of the Civil Guard has reported that the figures recorded in this third quarter represent a change in trend compared to those relating to the first six months of the year in which the number of crimes increased compared to the same period last year by an average of 19 percent. In July, however, crime fell by 4.2 percent, in August by 6.28 percent and in September by 18.9 percent compared to the same months in 2023.
Likewise, because of these figures, the percentage change in the accumulated crime rate (which measures the increase or decrease in crimes recorded from 1 January to the corresponding month, in relation to the same period of the previous year) has been falling since June. That month saw an increase in the number of crimes detected in Calpe from January to June of 19.14% compared to the same period last year. And in September this figure has fallen to 6.90 percent, 14 points less.
‘Although we still have an increase of 6.90 percent of crimes in the accumulated year in relation to 2023, we are optimistic about the figures as they have been progressively reduced, clearly indicating a change in trend,’ said the councillor for Public Safety, Guillermo Sendra.
At the same time, there has been a 6.8 percent decrease in thefts in Calpe, and an increase in the number of arrests of 19.94 percent. And it has been stressed that 96% of residents and visitors say they feel safe in Calpe, according to data from the DTI surveys conducted at tourist information points.
On the other hand, the Intendant of the Local Police, Juan Antonio Sánchez, has highlighted that from January to September, the municipal agents have conducted 17,760 actions, compared to the 17,200 conducted in 2023. In addition, the municipal staff has increased by 14 new officers, which has doubled the number of patrols during the summer months.
The mayoress of Calpe, Ana Sala, thanked the work of the security forces in the fight against crime and stressed that the City Council is making an ‘unprecedented investment in the Local Police.’ ‘We are making a significant effort to ensure that the local police force works with all possible resources, such as new vehicles and two drones,’ and she announced the acquisition of four new motorbikes and a boat, as well as new walkie talkies, among other materials.
Addressing the security forces present, the sub-delegate of the government, Juan Antonio Nieves, said: ‘The cooperation and collaboration has been seen to be good among the security forces in Calpe and that is thanks to the work you do; you are what make it possible for citizens to have that subjective perception of security; I thank you and I encourage you to continue cooperating’.
Gender-based violence
The meeting also addressed the cases of gender violence, which currently in Calpe reach the figure of 93 active cases. Of these, three are at considerable risk and 31 at medium risk, which are managed by the Guardia Civil. There are also 42 at low risk and 16 at no appreciable risk, which in this case are managed by the Local Police. And it was noted that the Gender Violence and Minors Unit of the Local Police of Calpe has conducted a total of 674 actions, 193 more than in the same period last year.
On the other hand, the problem of illegal street vending and the need for coordination between the different security forces to deal with it was also discussed. This summer the Local Police have conducted 90 actions and confiscated material valued at 70,000 euros.