Torremolinos cracks down on looky-looky men

Torremolinos Town Hall has ramped up efforts to combat illegal street vending this summer, focusing on the more bustling coastal areas. 

Since the start of 2025, the local police have carried out 60 operations, issuing fines and seizing goods sold unlawfully in public spaces in an attempt at curbing this unlawful activity.

This latest crackdown has already led to the confiscation of 14,280 items which are said to weigh a total of approximately four tonnes. Seized goods have been transported bit by bit to the waste treatment facility in Casares, with 1.8 tonnes already transferred and an additional 2.2 tonnes planned for a third delivery.

To tackle the issue, the council has intensified its surveillance with an extra patrol unit at weekends and public holidays, covering the La Carihuela promenade up to the Benalmadena border and another in the Bajondillo area. A general support unit and an undercover team have also been deployed to track vehicles used for transporting and distributing the illegal merchandise, aiming to identify and shut down potential distribution and storage sites.

Extra beach guards on looky looky men crackdown duty

From June to September, the operation is backed up by 15 beach guards working daily from 12pm to 7pm. These guards aid police units in high-traffic areas, particularly along the promenades and beaches, where illegal so-called ‘looky-looky’ selling is most prevalent.

The Council stresses that illegal street vending not only damages legitimate businesses but may also be linked to serious crime gangs involved in human trafficking and money laundering.

Nationally, this illicit activity is estimated to cause annual economic losses of €6 billion, not just to the big-name brands counterfeited but also to local legitimate businesses paying rent and tax on their shops and market stalls.