The delegate of the Government in Cantabria, Eugenia Gómez de Diego, visited today the special device of the National Police within the framework of 'Operation Summer 2024'. This initiative, coordinated by the Ministry of the Interior and the Higher Police Headquarters of Cantabria, reinforces its forces in the months of July and August to guarantee citizen security during the summer period.
The 'Operation Summer 2024' is carried out in the demarcation of the Superior Police Headquarters of Cantabria, covering the cities of Santander and Torrelavega, and is part of the 'Safe Tourism Plan' approved by the Secretary of State for Security. This plan aims to increase security in tourist areas, quickly and effectively serve those harmed by criminal acts, and offer greater protection to national and international tourists who visit the region to enjoy their holidays.
During his visit, Gómez de Diego, who was accompanied by Superior Chief Carmen Martínez, highlighted that "Cantabria is one of the safest regions in Europe, with a crime rate 8 points below the national average." In fact, as he recalled, conventional crime fell last year in the region by 3.4%, which "reinforces the commitment to the safety and well-being of our citizens and visitors." In addition, he stressed the importance of this device in ensuring that the region remains a safe and attractive destination.
For this operation, a permanent reinforcement of 44 additional troops has been established in Cantabria during the months of July and August. This reinforcement includes 23 Basic Scale trainee police officers and 2 Executive Scale trainee inspectors. In addition, there is the presence of the Cavalry Unit, composed of nine horsemen and six horses, and the Air Media Service, which will have a helicopter and a crew made up of 10 agents.
It is also planned to strengthen this device in a timely manner with specialized units such as the Mobile Brigade, the Clandestine Immigration Response Brigade (B.R.I.C. ), Police Intervention Units (U.I.P. ), and the Special Security Task Force (G.O.Es), which will act in situations of specific need to maintain security and public order.
High influx events
During the months of July and August, the Superior Headquarters of the National Police of Cantabria will also be supported by the Special Cavalry Units and the Air Media Service. These units will play a crucial role in the security of events with large concentrations of people, such as verbenas, outdoor shows, youth concerts, and the numerous popular festivals, including the Semana Grande and Fiestas de Santiago in Santander and the Fiestas de la Virgen Grande in Torrelavega.
Safety in large influx events will be guaranteed by the Prevention and Reaction Unit (U.P.R. ), which will play an essential role in the surveillance and prevention of crime in large concentrations. The Citizen Care Groups (G.A.C.) They will contribute to the prevention and reaction to possible crimes, especially on beaches and tourist areas, where they will focus on preventing theft and theft indoors of vehicles, and offering quick attention to victims.
The surveillance in ports and airports will be reinforced by the Aliens and Borders personnel, who will maintain a rigorous control of the entry and exit of Spaniards and foreigners from the national territory, with special attention in the Port of Santander due to the entry and exit of ferries.
The National Police does not lower its guard regarding the possible commission of terrorist acts. Intelligence Brigade agents and TEDAX-NRBQ will work on the prevention and detection of suspected persons and possible explosive devices. In addition, the Judicial Police will increase its presence in tourist agglomerations to prevent theft indoors of vehicles and in residential areas to prevent burglaries in homes. They will also increase their night services due to the increase in people in leisure areas.
The Family and Women’s Care Unit (UFAM) will strengthen its immediate response service in case of attacks against sexual freedom and compensation, ensuring effective and rapid care for victims.
This security device will be operational in Cantabria from July 1 to August 31, ensuring a safe summer for both residents and tourists visiting the region. The National Police, through “Operation Summer 2024”, is committed to ensuring a safe and secure environment for all.
Recommendations
In addition to human and material media reinforcements, information on online scams will be intensified, with recommendations to help citizens avoid being victims of this type of crime when making holiday reservations. Among the security recommendations, the National Police advises to review the validity of identity documents before leaving travel, install security measures in homes, and maintain constant surveillance over personal belongings in public places.
To prevent theft and ensure home security during the holidays, it is also important not to leave any signs that the house is uninhabited and to avoid spreading information about the holidays on social networks before or during the trip.
In the tourist destination, it is advisable not to leave the keys of the home inside the vehicle, always keep an eye on belongings in beaches and swimming pools, and be cautious with unknown people who may try to distract to steal jewelry or other valuables. It is recommended to carry the bag across the front and with a zipper, and not to note the PIN of the credit or debit cards on the card itself.
Upon returning to the home, it is suggested to check if there are signs or marks on the door that may indicate that it has been observed by potential offenders. In case of finding anything suspicious, you should immediately contact the National Police.