Periana residents demand more police after wave of robberies and assaults

Residents in the Malaga village of Periana took to the streets for a major protest this week over worsening safety concerns. Around 1,500 locals, half the population of 3,300, marched through the streets on Monday holding banners that read “No more assaults and threats” and “Yes to peaceful living.”

Protest follows violent family clash

A brutal attack on a woman and her young daughter in a children’s park sparked the demonstration. Witnesses described how the incident quickly escalated into violence, leading to immediate community action. Local authorities later obtained a 500-metre restraining order against the alleged attackers following a court hearing in Velez-Malaga.

Conflictive group leaves town

The family group blamed for repeated problems has now left Periana permanently. Their departure came after sustained pressure from neighbours and local mediation efforts. Reports indicate the clan faced multiple complaints over robberies, illegal occupations, and intimidation spanning several months.

Mayor calls for extra Guardia Civil support

Meritxell Vizuete, mayor of Periana, read a statement during the march calling for stronger Guardia Civil presence in the area. She said that residents had received threats of violence, gone through fights, and suffered property crimes for too long, with many afraid to report incidents due to fear of retaliation. Periana operates with limited local police and relies on a main Guardia Civil post that covers several nearby villages.

Opposition highlights province-wide shortages

Angela Luque, a local politician, joined the event together with provincial politician Sagrario Molina. Luque stressed that Periana’s difficulties reflect broader issues across Malaga province, citing similar protests in places like Pizarra. Union figures estimate the province is short more than 1,200 officers, including roughly 700 national police and 550 civil guards.

Community seeks lasting solutions

This latest protest shows deep frustration in rural Malaga communities where police coverage is still thinner than in many cities. Local leaders from across the political spectrum marched together, united in their call for action from central government.

Eugenio Cabezas from Diario Sur first reported these key developments in this story. Residents now hope increased security resources will restore calm to this traditionally peaceful village in Malaga’s Axarquia region.