Crime Surge in Las Verónicas Prompts Police Overhaul as Businesses Demand Urgent Security Upgrades
A 31% surge in property crime at the Las Verónicas leisure area has prompted the National Police to form a specialized violent crimes unit, though local business owners remain frustrated by delays in implementing permanent security measures like CCTV.
The Las Verónicas leisure area in Playa de Las Américas is seeing a worrying rise in crime, forcing police to rethink how they patrol the district. According to Diario de Avisos, property crimes and thefts in the area jumped by 31% during the first half of the year. This stands in contrast to the rest of Arona, where drug-related police operations have actually dropped by 13%.
Because of this shift, the National Police have launched a new "Violent Crimes Group" based at the local station. The unit is tasked with stopping a rise in violent robberies that have become more frequent since last year. Police report that these criminals are organized, often targeting vulnerable tourists in nightlife spots through persistent harassment.
Authorities recently conducted a large-scale raid to send a clear message that such behavior will not be tolerated. However, local business owners—represented by the Circle of Entrepreneurs and Professionals of the South of Tenerife (CEST)—argue that one-off police operations are not enough. They are calling for a permanent police presence and the installation of CCTV cameras, which they believe would deter criminals and help solve cases more quickly, especially since many victims leave the country shortly after an incident.
Despite these concerns, the Arona City Council says the process for installing security cameras will not be finished until 2027. This delay has frustrated the local business community. Some long-standing shops have already closed or been sold, as owners find it impossible to cover the costs of private security while dealing with constant trouble. After 40 years, the area now faces the difficult challenge of restoring safety to protect its future as a tourist destination.