Law enforcement officers from the National Police and Alicante Local Police joined forces in a coordinated action in the Colonia Requena area of northern Alicante after receiving numerous complaints from residents. The operation unfolded yesterday after a sustained wave of concerns from neighborhood associations and residents who reported that street vendors were obstructing sidewalks. The crowded thoroughfares made it difficult for pedestrians to pass, and several individuals with limited mobility faced extra challenges navigating the streets.
Officials noted that the complaints dated back several weeks, with residents repeatedly expressing frustration over the unauthorized sale of second-hand clothing in the streets. The persistent activity had turned parts of the neighborhood into crowded corridors, potentially compromising the safety of pedestrians, including the elderly and people with reduced mobility, when sidewalks became congested by outdoor stalls.
The operation began around 7:00 PM, involving multiple units. Police teams from the Northern District Station, along with officers from the Urban Police Group (UPR), GOIR, USEC, and local neighborhood units from the Provincial Police Station, conducted the enforcement action. In the course of the operation, authorities identified approximately 50 individuals connected to the street selling activity and confiscated three bundles of clothing that were being sold illegally on Cuarto Street. The seized garments were removed from the street and handed over to the municipal cleaning company for proper disposal.
The operation underscores ongoing efforts by Alicante law enforcement to improve street safety and restore accessible pedestrian paths in busy neighborhoods. Local authorities emphasized that public safety and the right of residents to use sidewalks freely remain a priority, and actions of this kind will continue as needed to deter illegal vending and reduce disruption to community life. The police spokespersons confirmed that additional patrols and coordinated actions will be scheduled in response to future complaints and observed activity in Colonia Requena and surrounding areas.