Holiday warning as Magaluf deploys assault-rifle cops to tackle drunk Brits

SUN-loving Brits have been warned to behave this summer as Magaluf has deployed elite police armed with rifles to crack down on drunk holidaymakers.

The heavily-armed group of elite police officers has been called in to “watch over tourists and fight crime” in Mallorca’s most popular party hotspots.

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These include Palmanova, Santa Ponsa and Magaluf where there has already been a number of serious incidents and deaths due to balconing and drunken antics.

Some 30 members of the elite unit of the Civil Guard have been drafted in for the summer season from Valencia on the Spanish mainland.

They are already patrolling beaches and streets and are even taking up positions on the top of hotels so they can monitor a wider area.

According to Ultima hora they are dressed in black, with berets and are armed with Sig Sauer 553 rifles and USP Compact pistols.

They will also be setting up road checks, and blocking roads with stingers if necessary.

The force will be using information via social networks, messaging systems and Whatsapp.

The main area of concern is Calvia which includes Magaluf which is aiming for a change of image and zero tolerance for the so-called “tourism of excesses”.

The officers will also operate from the SATE (Foreign Assistance Service), a police office in Magaluf.

Digital equipment will allow the officers to track IDs, and licence plates at speed and they use powerful cars to arrive within minutes.

There have been ongoing complaints about rowdy behaviour in the resorts, muggings and pickpocketing.

Magaluf is one of the party hotspots which has introduced strict new rules and fines to try and combat drunken behaviour.

Brits were previously warned that new laws are in place in their favourite holiday hotspots.

Fines of up to €3,000 (£2,500) can be given to anyone caught balconing while buying alcohol at shops is also banned between the hours of midnight and 8am.

Alcohol consumption on the street is also banned between 10pm and 8am.

ABTA, the British Association of Travel Agents, says: “Under the new rules from 9th June, drinking in the street will be banned between 10pm and 8am, antisocial activities will be banned and subject to fines and the size of bar crawls will be controlled.

“ABTA also understands that the new regime will be introduced gradually, allowing bar owners and tour organisers sufficient time to adjust their business practices.”

“The resort of Magaluf is on the outskirts of the Mallorcan capital Palma and for many years has been popular with younger holidaymakers from all around Europe including the UK.

“Magaluf is also popular with families and in recent years has started to target more affluent holidaymakers.”

“The district of Calvia where Magaluf is situated has introduced new regulations after consultation with the Spanish and Balearic Governments and local businesses.

“Improvements in public safety through  the police combining  with other security forces such as the Spanish Civil Guard and new operational and traffic units, and the additional presence of 36 police officers during high season.”

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