Arona Reopens El Fraile Police Station as Part of Security Expansion

Arona Reopens El Fraile Police Station as Part of Security Expansion

Source: El Día

Arona has reopened a police station in El Fraile and bolstered its force with 31 new officers and upgraded equipment to decentralize services and enhance community safety across the municipality.

Arona has shifted its approach to public safety by reopening the police station in El Fraile. Located in the Civic Center on Calle San Sebastián de La Gomera, the station aims to bring police services closer to the community. It will serve not only El Fraile but also act as a base for surrounding areas, including Las Galletas, Costa del Silencio, Guaza, Palm-Mar, Guargacho, and Parque La Reina.

This change is made possible by a recent boost in resources. The Arona council has added 31 new officers to its force and updated its vehicle fleet with 26 new units. These include standard patrol cars and motorcycles, as well as specialized vehicles for accident investigations and the new K9 unit, which features three police dogs. The department has also introduced a drone unit and reorganized its accident investigation team to better handle modern policing challenges.

Mayor Fátima Lemes and Local Police Chief Héctor Reyes describe this move as part of a larger plan that began with the opening of the Los Cristianos office last March. The goal is to ensure police presence matches the needs of local residents, allowing for more frequent preventive patrols. Officers are currently focusing on traffic safety, monitoring personal mobility vehicles, tackling drug trafficking, and addressing administrative offenses.

By decentralizing services, Arona is following a growing trend in Spain where local authorities aim to improve security by placing officers closer to the neighborhoods they serve. This neighborhood-focused model is designed to provide faster responses to minor incidents and help residents feel safer. The council plans to continue evaluating these services and may expand them further as the needs of the community evolve.