Launch of the ‘Safe Commerce Plan’
To address the significant rise in crime rates during the holiday season, the Spanish National Police has officially launched its annual ‘Safe Commerce Plan’ (Plan Comercio Seguro) in the capital, Madrid. Coordinated by the Madrid Police Headquarters, this special operation involves over 1,000 officers from various units and will run from November 21 to January 11 of the following year.
The operation is centered on three core strategies: strengthening deterrence and visibility in public areas through increased police presence, implementing proactive prevention measures, and ensuring a rapid response capability for incidents. The goal is to create a safer holiday shopping environment for residents, tourists, and business owners.
Focus on Five Key Districts
The police deployment is primarily concentrated in five of Madrid’s busiest and most crowded districts. These areas include: Centro, Salamanca, Retiro, Chamberí, and Moncloa-Aravaca.
Officials have stated that during the operation, the focus will be on preventing pickpocketing, violent robberies, break-ins (including smashing doors or windows), ram-raiding (known locally as ‘alunizaje’), and various types of fraud.
Police Warn of New, Sophisticated Theft Methods
The authorities are specifically warning business owners to be vigilant against new, deceptive theft techniques. One method, known as the ‘chewing gum method’ (método del chicle), is common in jewelry stores. A group of thieves, while browsing merchandise, will distract the staff and use a piece of chewing gum to stick a small, valuable item underneath a counter. An accomplice will then retrieve it later without arousing suspicion.
Another technique, the ‘magic theft’ (hurto mágico), uses confusion to commit fraud. Criminals typically use a large counterfeit bill to buy an inexpensive item. While the cashier is checking the bill or making change, they deliberately create a dispute over the change amount. In the ensuing confusion, they not only walk away with the merchandise but may also trick the cashier into giving them real currency.
Safety Tips for Businesses and Shoppers
For business owners, the police advise maintaining high vigilance during peak transaction hours, paying attention to suspicious individuals, and equipping their establishments with counterfeit bill detectors for cash transactions. Additionally, high-value, easily portable items should be placed in secure locations away from store entrances and exits. The police are also distributing informational brochures to businesses and employees in commercial areas, detailing prevention techniques for various crimes.
For the public heading to the city center for shopping, the police stress the importance of always keeping a close watch on personal belongings. Extra caution is needed for items like backpacks, mobile phones, and wallets, especially on crowded streets, in shops, or on public transport.
