Arona Town Hall yesterday denounced the incidents of vandalism occurring in the vicinity of the arts shopping centre and on the beaches of Las Vistas and El Camisón, where, during the early hours of Thursday, several unidentified individuals caused damage by destroying 100 and 136 sun loungers, respectively, as well as defacing the exterior of the shopping centre in Playa de Las Américas. Some of the damaged sun loungers displayed phrases such as “The Canary Islands defend themselves” and “The Canary Islands do not sell themselves”.
“We oppose all forms of vandalism and the discourtesy exhibited by certain individuals who vandalise the heritage of Arona, which brings considerable distress to both locals and tourists,” the mayor stated yesterday. Fatima Lemes reminded the public that these offences are punishable by law. Furthermore, she urged for community cooperation, which she deemed “essential,” to help identify those responsible for these vandalistic acts.
Lemes emphasised that “the residents of Arona are generally very committed to preserving the environment; however, sadly, there are always exceptions that endanger the collective good, which ultimately impacts us all.”
The southern councillor urged respect for public property, green spaces, play areas, litter bins, waste containers, recreational facilities and walls, “elements that contribute to Arona being a municipality proud of its identity.”