BENIDORM is ramping up policing during soccer’s World Cup -which starts next week- with a special operation to curb any incidents at local bars.
Extra riot police will be deployed to ensure there is no trouble amongst thousands of English and Scottish football fans who will be cheering on their teams.
Benidorm City Council’s Citizen Security department hosted a meeting on Tuesday with the Policia Local and the Policia Nacional to plan measures during the tournament which runs between June 11 and July 19.
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COUNCILLOR CARROBLES
Citizen Security councillor, Jesus Carrobles, pointed out that an event like the World Cup creates a significant build-up of people in public spaces as well as in hospitality and leisure establishments.
Carrobles said: “During the World Cup dates, an increase has been detected in the number of airline seats reserved on flights to Alicante-Elche, especially from the UK.”
“This increase in air capacity is estimated at 16.4% during the first phase of the tournament, specifically from June 11 to June 27.”
Flight bookings to Alicante-Elche airport have soared during the tournament dates as some British football fans had found ticket and travel costs in the U.S. to be exorbitant- therefore opting for somewhere cheaper to enjoy watching the football.
SECURITY MEETING
“The Policia Local and Policia Nacional will work jointly to reinforce surveillance units, and an information campaign will also be carried out,” Jesus Carrobles added.
The Policia Nacional’s specialist UIP public order unit based in Alicante will also be deployed.
Officers will be allocated depending on how far England and Scotland progress in the World Cup, coupled with the influx of tourists during the month-long event.
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