Recently, new cautionary signs aimed at British vacationers have surfaced in Tenerife, a popular destination. The Spanish island, known for its year-round sunny weather, is a favorite among UK residents. In 2024, the Canary Islands saw a remarkable surge in tourism, welcoming nearly 18 million visitors, marking a 10% increase from the previous year.
Tenerife, the primary attraction, drew over 6.2 million international tourists and 900,000 domestic visitors. Britons constituted the largest group, with 2.8 million visitors in 2024, tripling the number from Germany.
Despite Tenerife’s appealing features like warm January temperatures, extensive sandy beaches, and affordable bars, there is a downside to the island. Tourists can fall victim to theft and muggings.
Currently, British visitors to popular spots in Tenerife, including Los Cristianos, Playa de las Americas, Puerto Colón, Puerto Santiago, and Los Gigantes, are being cautioned about the rising incidents of theft and robberies. New signs have been placed on walkways to alert visitors of the risks, and warnings are being disseminated to social media users.
If your Tenerife holiday has been marred by incidents, reach out to webtravel@reachplc.com for assistance.
Concerns about theft are particularly prevalent in the southern regions of Tenerife. Reports suggest an increase in theft cases, notably in areas like the vicinity of English pubs in Los Cristianos, such as San Francisco Avenue, a known high-risk zone, especially at night and during peak visitor times.
On social media platforms, communities are actively reporting crimes, sharing photos of suspected pickpockets, and pinpointing high-risk locations.
Car rental companies in the south are now including cautionary messages for customers to prevent theft. Recommendations include safeguarding valuables, using fanny packs, carrying bags in front of the body, and not leaving belongings in vehicles.
According to the Ministry of the Interior, reported crime rates in the Canary Islands rose by 3.3% in a nine-month period compared to the same months in 2024. The archipelago registered 83,358 criminal offenses, up from 80,707 in 2024, with a notable increase in property-related crimes.
Violent robberies increased by 12.8%, and thefts rose by 3.5%, as reported by Tenerife Weekly.
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