An inspection of a Novelda building by the Local Police led to the dismantling of a concealed mechanical workshop in the city center. The operation revealed three workers without employment contracts and living in precarious, unstable conditions in the country. The factory-like space appeared as a hidden hub where illicit activity thrived, tucked away from the notice of ordinary passersby at a time when urban spaces should be safe and orderly.
Located on Pablo Sarasate street, the uncovering of the workshop occurred with the support of agents from the Generalitat Valenciana Police. Their involvement escalated the seriousness of the case, as the workshop director faced a formal complaint following the findings. The collaboration underscored a coordinated approach to combat illegal economic activity that harms compliant businesses and the community at large.
Local Security Troops had monitored the site for several weeks, growing increasingly suspicious of illegal commercial activity operating from the facility. After a careful, prudent follow-up, officers conducted login and entry checks during an inspection of the workshop. It was at that moment that a broad array of tools and machinery came to light, including equipment suitable for mechanical work, sheet metal fabrication, and painting. The premises also housed a paint booth, whose emissions were vented directly to the street without any filtration or control systems, posing a risk to air quality and public health.
Following the inspection, three workers were identified and questioned, and documents were reviewed to determine who was responsible for the site. Authorities established that the workshop had never secured permission from the regional Ministry nor applied for a municipal opening license. The absence of the proper approvals highlighted a broader pattern of regulatory noncompliance and potential safety hazards within the facility, prompting swift action from city authorities.
In response, the Novelda City Council announced a formal plan to demand the cessation of all activity at the site. Officials stressed that illegal workshops undermine legitimate, licensed operators and create an uneven playing field that harms the local economy. Investigations extended to fifteen vehicles associated with the site, which raised concerns about additional administrative irregularities and potential further penalties for those involved.
Abuses and complaints
Over the past weekend, the region faced seven traffic incidents within Novella, including two pedestrian collisions. The most alarming event occurred on Avenida del Río Vinalopó, where a pedestrian crossing was struck by a vehicle, leaving the victim seriously injured and transported to Elda General University Hospital for urgent care. The episode underscored the need for robust traffic safety measures and vigilant enforcement in high-traffic corridors.
Rafa Sarrio, the Local Police Mayor, announced that speed controls would be intensified at the accident site as a preventive measure. He noted that the department is also exploring the installation of new signaling or speed-reduction structures, such as traffic lights or speed bumps, in areas of the population that experience heavy vehicle movement. These steps aim to reduce risk and protect residents during peak traffic periods.
During the same weekend, patrols conducted three interventions aimed at preserving public order. Individuals involved in disturbances were identified and processed under the Citizens’ Coexistence Ordinance, and a total of twelve complaints were filed across six locations for violations such as improper disposal of garbage and a neighborly dispute involving a deliberate burn in the countryside. The actions demonstrated a proactive, community-focused effort to maintain safe, respectful neighborhoods.
Regarding road safety, three drivers underwent breathalyzer tests. In one case, the driver’s blood alcohol level reached a judicial threshold, while the other two results exceeded the permissible limit. In those two instances, authorities classified the infractions as administrative offenses, ensuring proper handling while prioritizing road safety and public health. The comprehensive response reflected a commitment to enforcing laws consistently and protecting the well-being of all residents.