The reinforcement of special intensity of the security, control and monitoring devices of the State Security Forces and Corps to combat youth gangs, launched by the Ministry of the Interior on 22 November, has resulted in 639,652 actions and has led to the arrest of 549 people, according to data recorded up to 17 January.
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Control measures put in place
The reinforcement order, signed by the Secretary of State for Security, Rafael Pérez, aims to prevent violent incidents related to youth gangs and, where appropriate, to prosecute and arrest the perpetrators.
In this regard, 3,194 bladed weapons, 12 firearms and 537 dangerous objects have been seized and 1,695 inspections of premises and public shows have been carried out. Finally, in the area of road safety, 219,944 people were checked for alcohol and drug consumption.
The strengthening of police measures has particularly affected those already provided for in the various special plans designed by the Secretary of State for Security to deal with different types of crime.
Control measures put in place
This reinforcement plan carried out by the Secretary of State for Security has implied a greater intensity in certain specific guidelines for action, including, among others:
An increase in preventive police presence with uniformed units in those places where violent actions or behaviour were detected, as well as in places where young people gather and spend their leisure time during weekends and holiday periods, implementing, in addition, devices made up of non-uniformed personnel.
An increase in investigative activity by the competent police units, with greater use of police intelligence tools to identify illegal acts.
Increased monitoring of social networks, websites and internet forums active in the defence of criminal conduct of a xenophobic, racist, anti-Semitic tendency, or inspired by hatred of minorities or ethnic or ideological differences, as well as those where behavioural guidelines are set for their members.
Increased inspections of public places and events and increased police presence to control the sale of alcohol to minors or the permissiveness of drug use by those responsible for them.
An increase in controls on driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs in leisure areas or places and at their entrances.
Toughening of control mechanisms to prevent the possession and use of bladed weapons and other dangerous instruments that could be used to commit a crime or disrupt public safety, and, if necessary, to proceed to their intervention.
The temporary occupation of any objects, instruments or means of aggression, including weapons carried with a licence, permit or authorisation, when there is a danger to the security of persons or property or for the purpose of preventing the commission of any crime or administrative offence.
The instruction of the Secretary of State for Security also established that the Directorates General of the National Police and the Guardia Civil should pass on these guidelines to those responsible for private security services in their respective areas in order to establish the necessary channels and means of collaboration and participation in the measures and reinforcement arrangements envisaged in the previous points. In this regard, 2,995 security meetings have been held with the heads of Local Police Corps, Private Security and Local Security Boards.