The theft wave shows no sign of stopping in El Castillo as vandalism persists
Business owners say they may organize a protest in the coming days to demand stronger security measures for the tourist zone.
The sense of insecurity has returned to El Castillo, in Caleta de Fuste. Far from being an isolated incident, a fresh wave of burglaries and vandalism reported by local entrepreneurs has added new establishments to the list of victims this Monday, confirming the fear expressed by shopkeepers and restaurateurs that they have “no way out.”
A Repeating Pattern of Crime
- Forced doors and shattered windows
- Broken glass littering the floor
- Empty cash registers and stolen bottles
- Material damage to interiors and fixtures
On 30 April, La Voz de Fuerteventura reported a break‑in at the Amares restaurant on the El Castillo beach. The security door was ripped off, glass shards and blood stains were found on the ground, and the cash register was emptied.
The owners warned that nearby venues such as Smile and La Frasquita had suffered similar attacks, noting that some premises had endured up to three robberies in just two months.
“Practically every establishment has suffered it, and not just once,” they lamented.
Business Community’s Growing Demands
The latest incidents reinforce the complaints of entrepreneurs who have been calling for a decisive and lasting security response for months. Their demands go beyond occasional patrols after a robbery; they seek:
- Preventive police presence throughout the day and night
- Coordinated action among the Local Police, Civil Guard, and Canary Islands Police
- A sustained security strategy for a zone that hosts tourism, residential life, and commerce year‑round
The Association of Businessmen and Traders of Antigua (AECA) had already warned months ago that the situation in Caleta de Fuste was “out of control,” citing robberies, fights, intimidation, and economic losses for local businesses.
AECA called for reinforcements from the Local Police, the Civil Guard, and the Canary Islands Police, condemning the responses received so far as insufficient.
Blame and Possible Mobilization
Business owners now point to Mayor Matías Peña as the ultimate responsible figure for the municipality, accusing him of “doing nothing.”
“He does not act, and the situation keeps worsening,” they claim.
Frustration is mounting, and the sector is considering organizing a mobilization directly at the town hall doors to press their demands.
Report by Pía Peñagarikano, 11 May 2026