Insecurity in Caleta de Fuste, the premier tourist hub of the municipality of Antigua, has reached a critical point. The recent theft that took place between 18 and 19 August at a hospitality venue has once again raised alarms, becoming the latest example of an issue that, according to local residents and business owners, has been spiralling out of control for months.
In this latest incident, the perpetrators forced a glass door, gained access to the premises, and stole several bottles of alcohol along with a cash register that contained no money, leaving a trail of blood behind. The most concerning aspect, as reported by those in the sector, is that the affected business owner—a well-known figure with five establishments in the area—had already experienced three thefts in just one week, highlighting the security crisis in the region.
The Civil Guard is investigating this new assault, which adds to a series of incidents ranging from thefts in shops and accommodations to violent altercations in public spaces. While there are no updated official statistics, testimonies collected by Radio Insular Fuerteventura indicate a growing frustration among the local business and residential community in Caleta de Fuste.
“We are completely unprotected. Three thefts in one week are unsustainable, and no one is doing anything to stop this situation,” lamented one affected business owner, echoing the sentiments of many of his colleagues.
Beyond the insecurity, shopkeepers criticise the lack of cleanliness in the streets and a minimal police presence. Several are even considering closing or relocating their businesses to other tourist areas on the island. “The institutional neglect is total. Caleta de Fuste should be a point of pride for Fuerteventura, but right now it’s a source of fear and shame,” they lament.
Residents, for their part, assert that it is becoming increasingly risky to navigate certain streets after dark, while the perception of insecurity is beginning to spill over to tourists, impacting the reputation of the destination. “Insecurity is driving away visitors. If this isn’t addressed, the damage to the local economy will be irreparable,” industry experts warned.
In light of the severity of the situation, business owners and residents are demanding that the Town Hall of Antigua, the Cabildo of Fuerteventura, and the Government of the Canary Islands implement an urgent plan to enhance security, increase police visibility, and restore cleanliness and order in the area. They fear that, without swift action, Caleta de Fuste—an integral tourist engine for Antigua and one of the main attractions on the island—will enter a spiral of decline that will be difficult to reverse.
