- Bathers at one of Spain’s most famous beaches are victims of a new scam
Spanish police have launched another crackdown on the latest beach scam targeting tourists, including unsuspecting Britons.
Beachgoers at one of the country’s most famous beaches are said to be falling victim to “unlicensed beach umbrellas” which are now being confiscated.
The cunning criminals, described by some of their victims as “mobsters”, are stalking La Malagueta beach in Malaga and there are fears the scam could spread to other holiday resorts.
Gangs simply show up at souvenir shops or bazaars to get umbrellas at bargain prices.
They then take them to the beach, find tourists sitting in the scorching sun and then sell the wayward parasols for around £10 for a few hours use.
Beachgoers on one of the country’s most famous beaches are falling victim to “unlicensed beach umbrellas” that are now being confiscated
Sunbathers sunbathing on Malagueta beach during a hot summer day in Malaga
Tourists have no idea that the vendors are not part of the beach franchise service and pay voluntarily.
Unfortunately for them, the police know better and come and confiscate them.
In one day alone, more than 20 umbrellas were confiscated and taken into custody.
So far, two street vendors have been arrested and face a fine of 300 euros.
However, the gangs are estimated to earn around 300 euros a day, as bathers are only allowed to stay on the beach for a few hours. When they leave, illegal vendors come in, take the parasols and rent them out to someone else.
‘Street vendors occupy public land to do business with tourists. Between 10.30 and 11am, beachgoers watch as they simultaneously begin to set up umbrellas in an area that covers about 15 metres.
‘After this, the first contacts with foreigners begin, with whom they can earn around 300 euros net per day,’ comments the Spanish newspaper Malagahoy.es.
‘Once illegal umbrellas are intercepted, the police impose a fine on those responsible, which in many cases they do not pay.
‘And, with the same intention, they return to the beach to offer them again.’
Panoramic view of Malagueta beach in Malaga
General view of people spending time on La Malagueta beach during a hot summer day in Malaga.
The two umbrella sellers identified by investigators in recent days are accused of violating the ordinance guaranteeing citizen coexistence and protection of urban space in Malaga, by carrying out activities or providing services in public spaces without being authorized to do so.
Last month, the city council warned about gangs making and selling mojitos on the beach, which they warned is illegal and a potential health hazard due to the unclear utensils and conditions.
Five people were arrested in a single day.
Unauthorised street vending of food products on the coast is a serious infringement of the Malaga City Council’s Beach Ordinance, which carries a fine ranging from 300 to 3,000 euros.
The exact amount is determined based on the repeat offence and the intention of the offender, and the greater or lesser disruption that the infringement causes to the environment and/or users.
Police have substantially increased patrols in beach areas and more officers have been enlisted.
