Málaga's Local Police intensifies surveillance at the Málaga Fair's venue with 211 stalls, drones, and thermal cameras. The new head of the force, José María Martínez, emphasises the goal of preserving the 'spirit' of the festival.
The Málaga Fair expects to welcome around 200,000 daily visitors and up to two million throughout the week, according to estimates from the Local Police. In light of this influx, the force has made controlling the 211 stalls at the venue and ensuring compliance with the General Ordinance of the Málaga Fair its priority.
The newly appointed head of the Local Police, José María Martínez, asserts that the balance is positive: "There is more security than before, and there are fewer disturbances. Everything is more controlled." So far during the fair, only two stalls have been closed, and the sale of alcohol to minors is "an almost disappeared problem."
However, violations persist. Martínez reports that some stalls are attempting to charge entry fees or restrict access based on clothing: "All stalls must provide space for all fairgoers. We are not here to issue four fines or control traffic; we are here to preserve the spirit of the fair." Each day, about five reports are filed for violations, and the Fair Area can close the establishment for a day or shut it down permanently.
This Wednesday, sub-inspector Francisco Andrades featured in a video on the Málaga City Council social media reminding stall obligations: free access, prohibition of selling alcohol to minors, respect for maximum capacity, and access to emergency exits. Additionally, family stalls can only remove tables and chairs after two in the morning. In case of any incidents, the possibility of calling 092 is reiterated.
The security operation, planned a month in advance by the Planning Department, is divided into 30 services with specific names: the 'K-9' (security dogs and substance detection), the 'Eagles' (traffic control on motorcycles), the 'Phoenix' (drones), and the 'Victor' (monitoring compliance with the ordinance).
Among the technological resources are two drone teams equipped with thermal cameras, spotlights, speakers, and geolocatable lasers, also used to search for missing persons or dismantle illegal cockfighting in Palma-Palmilla. Additionally, there are 16 cameras distributed throughout the venue, with special attention to bus stops, where disturbances often occur due to attendees' impatience, according to Security Councillor Avelino Barrionuevo.
Sub-inspector Andrades highlights the disappearance of organised gangs that used to refill empty bottles from the drinking areas to resell them: "We have two industrial containers. Last year, with everything we seized, we filled both in one day. We have found some things, but nothing in comparison."
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