Benissa’s Civil Guard presence is being relocated, bringing the coastal town of Moraira into a key security hub. The Interior Ministry plans to move agents from the long-standing, temporary outpost that has operated since 2007, when the former Benemérita barracks on Avenida del País Valencià was demolished, to the Moraira coast barracks. The Benissa team has historically played a crucial role in maintaining security for Vall de Pop, with the Xaló barracks handling mainly administrative duties.
The Civil Guards Association in Spain (AEGC) asserted this morning that the barracks closure did not arise from operational needs but from mismanagement and a disconnect between the Civil Guard leadership and the town hall. They warned that public safety is eroding in Alicante province, where crime is growing more organized and violent.
In 2007, after the old barracks were torn down to make way for an unfinished apartment building, the ministry promised a new facility. In the meantime, the Benissa base has operated from precariously rented municipal premises.
AEGC argues that regrouping agents in Moraira is unsustainable. They highlight the large distance to be bridged between Moraira and other nearby Civil Guard posts in Marina Alta, noting there are closer stations in Alicante province, such as those in their own area and in Cocentaina (about 6.9 kilometers away) or Castalla and Onil (roughly 4 kilometers) if the merger proceeds. They emphasize that operational efficiency should not be sacrificed for administrative reorganization.
Moreover, the move is seen as a potential risk to Marina Alta’s interior security network, a region that serves a town of around 12,000 residents in Benissa whose population swells during the summer months, especially along the coastline. The broader implication is that resources might shift away from the more centralized urban centers to a single hub, potentially leaving outlying communities with longer response times.
AEGC concludes that Benissa officers packing their bags for Moraira marks a significant shift, and questions whether this restructuring truly enhances security. They argue that the changes should be weighed against the practical realities of coverage, response times, and the ability to maintain a visible, proactive police presence across the region. The association notes that the public relies on consistent, accessible policing, particularly in tourist seasons when populations surge and the need for rapid intervention grows. [Source: AEGC]