The residents of the El Toscal area in the heart of Santa Cruz de Tenerife commenced mobilisations on Friday evening protesting against Squatters that have occupied two properties in the locality and against the Inaction of the Judiciary and the National Police.
Many individuals departed from Pisaca Square and proceeded to the two homes that have been unlawfully occupied, one on El Greeto street and another in the adjacent Second Ravina passage, by a group of young people who, according to locals, have instilled a sense of insecurity and fear in the community.
The participants brought pots and pans which they banged together throughout the march, while two units of the Local Police were present in the vicinity for precautionary measures. Some residents pounded the doors of the two homes, secured tightly, while chanting slogans such as “Get out of the neighbourhood” and “No to Squatters“.
Outrage and Frustration
The sense of outrage and frustration was palpable among attendees, particularly as these residents felt “completely powerless and defenceless” given that the National Police, the body responsible for security in such instances, and the Judiciary did nothing the previous Wednesday to remove the Squatters. This occurred a day after the last property was invaded, that being the one located on Second Ravina passage, and on the same day the owner of said property lodged a complaint and presented official documents confirming ownership.
Locals have resolved to take matters into their own hands and have begun to gather to organise Actions against this group of individuals, including a pot-banging protest on Friday night. They are also considering the establishment of Citizen patrols and additional marches in the forthcoming days.
We Shall Not Tolerate
One of the participants, Carlos Jiménez, conveyed a clear message to the authorities: “We shall not tolerate this situation. If the police are unable to act in the face of such a blatant illegality, we will have to take matters into our own hands. We will not put up with it, let that be clear to everyone.”
This resident expressed feeling “shocked, betrayed, and outraged” by the fact that “it is impossible to address a issue that extends well beyond the mere occupation of several homes in the vicinity.”
“This is fundamentally a public safety issue, with individuals who have threatened us with knives, exhibiting violent, aggressive, and confrontational behaviour; who have been involved in numerous incidents,” he stated, adding: “Families with children, who have always lived harmoniously, are now feeling utterly helpless before such a problem.”
Culture of Fear
Only one Squatter threatened to vacate the property, specifically that on El Saludo street, when several residents struck the door demanding that “they vacate the premises”. However, he ultimately relented and shut it again. “Such a climate of fear and concern has never been witnessed in Toscal,” lamented another participant in the protest, Carlos Baudet.
“Since they took occupancy of the El Greeto property, they have already started to create havoc. There have been days where the flow of people, entering and exiting the premises, has been continuous, with music blaring at full volume. We call the police, they knock on the door, identify them but do nothing. This has occurred repeatedly,” Baudet expressed, noting that the turmoil intensified after this same group occupied the house on Second Ravina passage last Tuesday. “Their behaviour has been distressing and regrettable. We are frightened. Additionally, they are numerous,” he specified.
Not Isolated Incidents
Whilst the current whereabouts of the owners of the property on El Saludo is unclear, it is known that this location had already been occupied by others prior to the arrival of this group of young individuals. The family that owns the residence on the Second Ravina passage has been known from the outset, but this has not sufficed to evict those who unlawfully entered the home by forcibly unlocking the door.
These instances do not stand alone: there are numerous similarly occupied homes amid the many vacant properties in this Chicharrero locality. The disrepair of certain areas in El Toscal contrasts starkly with the renovations undertaken by the City Council to pedestrianise this historic neighbourhood, revitalising it and granting it the prosperity it deserves.
Protected Properties
These incidents concern two protected properties due to their significant heritage value, classified as properties of cultural interest within the El Toscal neighbourhood. Despite the owners of the residence at number 10 on the Second Ravina passage frequently visiting it, practically every weekend, they have also initiated the rehabilitation process with the City Council of Santa Cruz de Tenerife in 2023.
In addition to the pot-banging protest and a meeting, residents have begun placing posters throughout the community bearing messages such as: “These are our homes, not yours. Leave the neighbourhood.” Another poster declares: “No to squatters. Home monitored 24 hours by the community. Do not attempt to enter.”
