Between April 2024 and now, the Orihuela Local Police have reviewed a total of 857 administrative infraction cases. This figure is indicative of the activity that occurred on the streets during this period to resolve behaviours that directly impact community life in the municipality, as per the City Council. The total sum of the penalties issued is approximately €290,000.
Collectively, these behaviours frequently induce neighbourhood disputes and disrupt the conventional use of communal areas. The actions concentrate on common situations, including public alcohol consumption, which is the most common and has received 134 complaints. Noise disturbances, which are the subject of over 110 interventions, are the second most common and occur frequently at night.
Also noteworthy are the more than 90 reported incidents of illegal dumping of refuse and litter on streets and vacant lots. The Local Police have recently reminded residents that it is the responsibility of all residents to maintain the cleanliness of Orihuela. They have emphasised that the act of depositing pruning waste or rubble on public roads is not only uncivil but also illegal, and it can result in penalties of up to 800 euros and mandatory removal fees.
This practice also poses a risk to residents and traffic, generates dirt and unpleasant odours, and damages the environment. Consequently, the agents advocate for the use of municipal collection services and the transportation of refuse to an authorised location in order to prevent the street from becoming a landfill.
This message has become evident as complaints accrue in certain neighbourhoods of the city and the Orihuela coast.
These figures are in addition to 42 interventions for uncivil behaviour, such as urinating or vomiting in public, and 36 actions for disobeying authority.
An apparent increase in activity is apparent when the trend is examined on a year-by-year basis. From April onwards, 159 incidents were documented in 2024. This figure, which coincided with an increased police presence, reached 597 in 2025. In the first few months of this year, over 100 interventions have already been recorded.
By neighbourhoods
Although they are more prevalent in specific regions, the operations have occurred throughout the municipality. A substantial proportion of these interventions are located in the town centre, particularly on avenues such as Teodomiro and Duque de Tamames. Residential neighbourhoods have also been the site of incidents, predominantly related to noise, and areas with a higher level of leisure activity, where violations related to alcohol consumption and disturbing the peace are prevalent.
The Citizen Security department has said that these actions are a normal part of the control and response process in these types of situations and are possible because of the municipal ordinance on citizen coexistence, which the government team approved in May 2024. This ordinance has provided the Local Police with a specific tool to address and respond to these types of behaviours that impact daily life on public roads.
The Councillor for Citizen Security, Mónica Pastor, stated that the approval of this ordinance was essential because it enables us to act with greater clarity and security in the presence of behaviours that impact coexistence. She also noted that the Police now have a tool that enables them to intervene and respond to genuine street issues.
In this regard, he clarified that “the majority of the actions are in response to highly specific situations, such as noise, alcohol consumption, or litter in public areas.” He also stated that the objective is to continue to reduce these types of behaviours and enhance coexistence in all neighbourhoods.
He also concluded by emphasising that “the police presence and the enforcement of the ordinance also have a preventive effect,” as they aid in the prevention of the recurrence of numerous situations.
