Business owners in Cabo Roig, particularly those on the area known as ‘The Strip’ are calling on the police and local councillors to help rid them of illegal traders who set up wares on the pavements and terraces harassing tourists and general making the area look inhospitable. The ‘Looky Looky’ men have become the scourge of the area and refuse to move even when asked to do so by the business owners.
One owner said: “Last night there were 57 of them, with blankets on the streets and more of them walking around with handbags, hats and sunglasses for sale. We also believe that they could even be selling drugs and want the police to come and clear them from the area once and for all.”
However, the bar, restaurant and business owners claim that despite calling the police on several occasions nothing is ever done, in fact the police don’t even come to the area to see what the situation is and if they do turn a blind eye and don’t make any arrests.
Another owner said: “These traders are illegal. If we call the police to report illegal selling, you would think that they would respond but they aren’t bothered.”
Owners claim that if confronted the illegal traders get aggressive and have even physically attacked owners who try and remove them from their terraces. Legal owners believe that this is already affecting their businesses and will have even more impact on profits through July and August if families are put off and keep away. Many of the legal businesses in Cabo Roig, which, unlike the illegal traders, are contributing to the national economy, employing staff and paying their taxes, are concerned that if the problem is not dealt with as a matter of urgency there will be a lot of establishments closing at the end of the season and they won’t be reopening.
Hassle
The Looky Looky men block the pavements and even hassle families and couples eating meals on terraces. Whilst other areas seem to be tackling the issue, the powers that be in Orihuela Costa are not. Pilar de la Horadada and Torrevieja have run specific clean-up campaigns over recent years dedicated to getting counterfeit goods off their streets and to curb the numbers of Looky Looky men. Unfortunately, this means these dodgy dealers are now plying their counterfeit goods on The Strip because they know they can get away with it. It seems that all of the Looky Looky men moved on from surrounding areas are now dealing knock-off trainers, t-shirts and designer goods in Cabo Roig.
Given the lack of action by the authorities local business owners have this week set up a Business Association for Cabo Roig and are demanding that something is done to address the despicable situation. They are calling for police and politicians to take back control of the area and restore it to the tourist hot-spot and family friendly area it always has been.