Security in Torrevieja has improved significantly during the first seven months of the year, according to the sub-delegate of the Government in Alicante, Manuel Pineda, and the colonel chief of the Guardia Civil Command, Francisco Poyato. Speaking at a press conference on Monday at the main Guardia Civil post in the town, both officials highlighted that criminal offences fell by more than 9% between January and July 2026 compared to the same period in 2025. Pineda reiterated that Torrevieja remains a safe city.
The overall drop includes a fall of over 9% in conventional crime and a reduction of nearly 10% in cybercrime. Specific offences also saw notable decreases, with violent robberies down by over 20%, burglaries in residential properties falling by more than 11%, and thefts declining by over 8%.
The positive trend continued into the summer period when the population grows significantly. Between 1 June and 20 August, offences dropped by over 7% compared to the previous year. Although the official census listed 106,350 registered residents in 2025, estimates based on water consumption indicate an average annual population of around 291,000, peaking at well over 400,000 during high season.
Pineda used the briefing to address recent comments by the mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolón, who had called for more Guardia Civil officers by referencing 2025 statistics showing over 10,000 offences in the municipality—an 8% increase over 2024. Pineda stressed the need to share updated figures and expressed surprise at Dolón’s statements, warning that such messages harm the town’s image as a safe destination. He added that the mayor had been aware of the positive figures since April’s Local Security Council meeting and could have requested an update before speaking publicly.
Regarding staffing levels, officials confirmed that 208 Guardia Civil officers are assigned strictly to security duties within Torrevieja. When including Judicial Police investigators, trainee officers, and special units, the total personnel reaches roughly 300, excluding the local traffic detachment. Pineda suggested advocating to the Ministry of the Interior for staffing adjustments based on demographic growth, while noting that previous government cuts in 2011 had drastically reduced police force replacements across the country.
The Guardia Civil detailed that response times for emergency calls in the municipality average five minutes. Patrols have carried out operations targeting drug sales, cannabis clubs, and stolen goods locations, particularly in areas like the red flats and the Torretas urbanisation, while also managing security for major public events without significant incident.
In response, Mayor Eduardo Dolón stated he did not deny the recent dip in offences for early 2026, but argued that partial data should not obscure the full 2025 record. He insisted that the local authority is requesting permanent reinforcements scaled to the real population size, which can reach up to 500,000 people in summer, rather than questioning the efforts of existing officers.
