New cautionary signs aimed at British tourists have been erected in Tenerife, a popular Spanish island known for its year-round sunny weather. The Canary Islands experienced a remarkable surge in visitors in 2024, with nearly 18 million tourists, marking a 10% annual increase.
Tenerife, the most sought-after destination in the Canary Islands, drew over 6.2 million international visitors and 900,000 domestic tourists. British travelers, in particular, dominated the island’s tourism scene, with 2.8 million Britons visiting in 2024 – triple the number from Germany.
Despite Tenerife’s attractions like warm January temperatures, expansive sandy beaches, and affordable bars, there is a downside to the island. Holidaymakers can fall victim to pickpockets and thieves. Consequently, British tourists are now being advised about the rising incidents of theft and robberies in popular spots like Los Cristianos, Playa de las Americas, Puerto Colón, Puerto Santiago, and Los Gigantes.
Reports suggest a rise in theft cases, especially around English pubs in Los Cristianos, notably on San Francisco Avenue, known for its elevated risk levels, particularly at night and during peak visitor periods. Social media platforms are being utilized to report crimes, share photos of suspected pickpockets, and pinpoint high-risk areas.
In response to the escalating crime rates, some car rental companies in the south have begun incorporating precautionary messages for customers. They recommend safety measures like secure storage of valuables, avoidance of carrying large sums of cash, and the use of anti-theft accessories like fanny packs or front-carry bags.
Official data from the Ministry of the Interior indicated a 3.3% increase in reported crimes across the Canary Islands during a nine-month period compared to the same period in 2024. Notably, property-related crimes saw a significant uptick, with 1,467 violent robberies (+12.8%) and 21,889 thefts (+3.5%) reported.
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