More surveillance to avoid thefts

THE economic crisis is forcing businesses in Almeria to reinforce security against thefts and vandalism. The city council has just spent €37,543 on surveillance cameras to prevent intruders from entering public facilities.

Numerous establishments are reporting thefts, such as ‘Vipays’ cafe in the neighbourhood of Los Angeles. Two foreigners asked for a lottery ticket and then stole the lottery money, which was in a box. The neighbours said they had been seen around for a few days. “The police took fingerprints but they had no criminal record”, explained Ismael, one of the waiters. 

In the last years, surveillance systems have become more frequent. The cafe ‘Tentempie’ at the square Marques de Heredia has an alarm and camera system since its opening last year. “So far we have not had any incidents”, said one of the waiters. Customers do not complain about these security measures.

Surveillance files in Almeria increased from 375 in 2009 to 855 in 2010, according to the Spanish Data Protection Agency AEPD.