Calls for security along esplanade

RESTAURANTS and cafés along Alicante’s Esplanade, beside the harbour, have made numerous complaints about the increase in thefts in the area, particularly from tourists.
They say there was one episode in particular which caused concern when police arrested a man who pulled out a knife as he begged for money from a customer sitting on one of the many terraces.
One worker said beggars were coming along and then grabbing handbags and wallets, as well as pickpocketing. He reported that there are regularly 10 people targeting his customers each day for money, saying it must be controlled before it damages tourism. The restaurateurs say they have reported it to police who then just walk down the esplanade and are not able to provide a patrol all day every day.
They have considered hiring private security guards as they continue to warn customers about leaving their bags on the floor or the back of chairs as they cannot watch out for thieves and control the pickpockets. However, they hope to be able to reinstall the glass partitions that were once on the terrace before work was carried out by the town hall, which should act as a deterrent.