She was the first woman to occupy the Calvià Local Police Headquarters. After being appointed in July 2023, after having occupied important positions within the National Police, Esther Ribas (Madrid, 1984) takes stock for OKDIARIO of his second tourist season at the head of the police of the second most populous municipality in Majorca.
He firmly assures that Calvià is a very safe place, he is pleased that this summer crimes have decreased, but he recognizes that the challenge is to maintain these good results in the years to come.
Question.- What is your assessment of the season, your second at the head of the Calvià Local Police?
Answer.- The results were optimal. The numbers speak for themselves. Compared to the needs of the municipality via 112 and 092, a halving of calls has been achieved, going from more than 40,000 in 2023 to just over 15,000 so far in 2024. This makes us think that smooth operation has led to a reduction in requirements. The continued police presence also has an important deterrent effect. The crimes we know about have decreased and, consequently, the number of detainees. The challenge will now be to maintain these good results in the years to come.
Q.- It is the second largest local police force after Palma. How many troops do you have? Is it necessary to strengthen the staff?
A.- The Calvià local police force has around 200 members, including police officers and commanders. Although this is a very adequate number of agents during the winter months and despite the fact that all the services and needs required by the municipality are covered, in my opinion the high season has a very peak pronounced increase in the number of people moving to Calvià, where the population quintuples. So I think it would be wise to increase the number of staff.
Q.- Magaluf or Punta Ballena barely made the headlines this summer. How did they achieve this?
A.- This was the work of everyone involved: police officers, civil guards, politicians, hoteliers, businessmen and even the British embassy. We have all contributed to improving the image of Magaluf. The deterrent effect of the police work of the previous year was very significant.
Q.- The number of cases of balconies has also been greatly reduced.
A.- Indeed, the last one to my knowledge was British in May 2022, a real shame. We hope that all the awareness work carried out will continue to bear fruit.
Q:- Drug trafficking was the main cause of arrests in the municipality, then thefts. What role did plainclothes officers play in the success of these arrests?
A.- The plainclothes agents do a very diligent and meticulous job. This figure, intended to eliminate street vending and other violations of municipal ordinances, is extremely useful in detecting retail crimes and beach thefts. However, I cannot ignore that all this success is due to teamwork. Colleagues from other units are also very involved so that we can obtain these results.
Q.- The fight against street vending is a priority for your department.
A.- Total priority. Street vending represents unfair competition with all establishments that respect the law and pay their taxes, greatly affecting the economic development of businesses in the region. On the other hand, it is also important to keep in mind that this type of sale does not guarantee the quality, safety and health of everything they make available to their customers. This year, the work carried out on street vending was also a success with nearly 900 sanctions and the corresponding seizures.
Q.- Do you think that the ‘Calvianers’ believe that the town is safe?
A.- Without a doubt, I believe it and I affirm it: Calvià is a very safe municipality.
