The community of Los Cristianos has once again been shaken by a series of deliberate fires that have alarmed residents. In the early hours of Monday, twelve vehicles, a motorbike, and an electric scooter were set ablaze in various locations throughout the coastal town of Arona. This latest incident reignites concerns about vandalism that had previously been under investigation last year, following several similar occurrences in the region. Law enforcement officials “have no doubt” that the same individual is responsible.
The incidents transpired between 4:00 and 6:00 am, impacting several streets including Pedro Bethencourt, Rodeo, La Marea, and Juan Carlos I Avenue, near the local market as well as the residential area surrounding the Great Arona hotel. At this location, the fire even spread to one of the adjacent palm trees.
By the morning, police and firefighters had subdued the flames. “Police and firefighters kept us busy throughout the morning,” noted an officer involved in the response effort on the previous day.
Similar incidents recorded last October in Los Cristianos (where, rather curiously, another dozen cars were burned, although over several days) suggest a more systematic trend, leading to suspicion that they may have been perpetrated by the same individual operating in this area.
“We still do not possess reliable evidence to substantiate this, but all indicators suggest it is the same person. The method of operation leaves little room for doubt,” disclosed a police representative. Héctor Reyes, the Security Councillor for the City of Arona, has urged public cooperation to provide any information that may assist in identifying the culprit.
One victim of the fires shared the distressing experience of discovering the charred remains of his vehicle.
“My soul fell”
“I still find it hard to believe,” he revealed in a shaky voice, struggling to hold back tears. “When I woke up that morning, the first thing that greeted me was a message from a neighbour. They told me my car was completely incinerated in the street. I rushed over, hoping it was a mistake, but upon arrival, I was met only with the charred remnants of my vehicle. My soul fell to my feet.”
The victim explained with resignation that the fire “has not only robbed him of his means of transportation,” but also his livelihood. “Most painfully, I still have years left to pay it off. It was my working tool; I relied on it every day, and now I have nothing,” he lamented.
In the hope of receiving some kind of assistance, he promptly contacted his insurance provider, but the response he got was disheartening: “They asked me if I had full risk coverage with fire protection and, when I told them no, they made it abundantly clear: ‘We are sorry, but in this scenario, we cannot offer any compensation.’ It was then I realised the gravity of my situation. I was without a car and no one would assist me or provide a single euro from my insurance to mitigate this loss.”
He articulated his frustration regarding the circumstances: “I’ve not only lost my vehicle, but I will continue to pay for something that no longer exists.” “What now? How will I commute to work? It’s unjust. I cannot comprehend how anyone could do such a thing, setting cars on fire without considering the harm it causes to people,” he expressed.
He now faces the challenging task of finding alternative transportation to his job at a hotel in Playa San Juan, although he admits he “doesn’t know how he will manage.” Given the predicament and the impossibility of receiving funds from his insurance, he reflects on the situation and concludes: “I wish they would take these incidents more seriously because I’ve been paying for years, and when I genuinely need help, I’m met with a closed door. It’s utterly despairing.”
Currently, the National Police are leading the investigation, with local support from Arona authorities. “We are conducting all necessary research efforts. In light of these events, we have increased surveillance in the affected areas,” added the councillor from the Arona City Council.
Motorbike as Transport
The police are considering the possibility that the offender is using a motorbike to swiftly navigate between the various locations in the coastal area where vehicles have been torched, which could explain the difficulty in apprehending them during these acts of vandalism. “It wouldn’t be feasible for them to do this on foot. There simply wouldn’t be enough time to set fire to so many vehicles in one night,” explained a police representative.
Likewise, it remains uncertain if
It has been organised with one or several individuals to execute this extensive arson, or alternatively, the individual responsible is acting independently.
There is also no facial recognition of the perpetrator, despite many witness accounts. Following this incident and considering the “absence of responses” from the authorities, a considerable amount of frustration arose among the local residents.
“We have patrolled the town for numerous nights to safeguard our vehicles,” mentions a young resident from Los Cristianos.
Many neighbours in the area where the recent acts of vandalism took place claim they have spotted the suspect once more, albeit in different attire; notably, still carrying the same suitcase. “During his last incident, he avoided dragging the suitcase on the floor to minimise noise. He is someone who is aware of his actions and attempts to leave as little evidence as possible,” they assert.
Vilaflor, unrelated incidents
In July of the previous year, a man was apprehended in Vilaflor for allegedly starting as many as 15 fires, impacting both vehicles and agricultural land as well as forested areas. However, the councillor dismissed any connection between these incidents. “These are two entirely distinct cases. Vehicle arson is a more specific issue, while the other case aimed for broader destruction,” he clarified.
The Arona City Council has vehemently condemned these acts of vandalism and reiterated its commitment to enhancing security in the region.
The mayor, Fatima Lemes, accompanied by the town councillor and the deputy commissioner of the Local Police, visited the affected areas in the morning to assess the damage and coordinate the municipal response.
“We are going to respond decisively and will not permit such acts. We ask the public for calm, but also cooperation in identifying the person responsible,” stated Lemes.
Additionally, cleaning and landscaping services have been mobilised to restore the affected environment.
As the investigation progresses, anxiety remains prevalent among the residents of Los Cristianos, where the threat posed by the perpetrator of these deliberate fires again stirs unease, fostering a profound sense of insecurity among the locals as time goes on.
The demand for garages in Los Cristianos, up to October
In recent months, the demand for garages has surged in the centre of Los Cristianos, as numerous vehicle owners prefer to avoid leaving their cars parked on the streets due to fears of further attacks.
Following the initial act of vandalism in October, Diario de Avisos has reported a growing number of individuals in search of private garage rentals. “I feel unsafe and anxious. Tomorrow morning, I might wake up for work and find my car missing,” explained Domingo Manuel Dorta, a resident of Los Cristianos, who lives close to the market and was informed yesterday that three vehicles had been set ablaze simultaneously, merely two streets away from his home.
