What happened

In the harbour town of Agaete in northwestern Gran Canaria, business owners are calling a public rally. The reason: a series of nighttime break-ins at bars, restaurants and shops that, within a few days, became too much to absorb. Owners now close three to four hours earlier than usual. Staff leave together at the end of the shift — nobody wants to walk through the streets alone.

According to several business owners speaking to Radio Las Palmas, the past few days saw eight to nine premises broken into, with several vehicles also stolen. The intensity has eased since the cases became public — but the unease remains, because no concrete measures are visible.

Two cases that changed everything

The trigger came from two incidents within a few days. Andrade, owner of the Tasca López Razale, was broken into twice the same night — first at quarter to one, then again at quarter to five. The alarm centre called him on both occasions; a neighbour had to shout «Diebe, Diebe» (thieves, thieves) from her window to scare the intruders off. In total, between 200 and 300 euros disappeared from the till and the staff tip jar.

A few streets away, Ayoze Gil, owner of Tamadaba Sport, took a different path. He spent several nights sleeping in his own store to deter the burglars. On the programme Herrera en COPE Gran Canaria he explained: «To make sure they don't catch me, I had to take the decision to sleep inside until I see more security in the municipality.» He has since gone home, but installed extra alarms and reinforced the doors.

Andrade chose against sleeping in the bar — out of fear of a direct confrontation. His reasoning to COPE: «I'd rather, honestly, that they break in and steal than that they catch me inside and one of us starts fighting back.»

The threat — and the response from authorities

Andrade reports an open threat. A person from the village who regularly asks him for money said to him last week: «I'm not the kind that robs, I've been stabbed — when I catch you alone, you'll see.» He filed a complaint with the Guardia Civil. The investigation, he was told there, would proceed «very slowly» — and the officers expressed surprise that the break-ins happened in the same night.

Neither the town hall nor the local police have contacted any of the affected owners so far. Andrade had to upgrade his bar's security at his own expense — new locks, reinforced doors, all out of pocket. Several neighbours and colleagues share the assessment that the institutional response is lagging behind the problem. That, exactly, is why the rally is happening.

What AEGA is demanding

The Asociación Empresarios Villa Agaete wants two messages to land. Security is a baseline state duty, not a competitive perk — that is the headline. Beyond that, the association demands concrete pressure on the local authorities: the town hall, the local police and the Guardia Civil should deliver more night patrols, faster investigations and direct contact with the affected business owners.

The slogan picks up a phrase that has been circulating in conversations among residents for weeks: «Seguridad no es un privilegio, es un derecho de todos.» Security is not a privilege but a right for all. The gathering point is Plaza de la Constitución at 12:30, from where the march moves to the town hall.

Agaete for travellers — what it looks like by day

For tourists, Agaete remains a calm harbour town. The break-ins target closed business premises in the early morning hours, not travellers or busy public spaces. The Naviera Armas ferry from Puerto de las Nieves to Santa Cruz de Tenerife operates as scheduled — it remains the fastest connection between the two islands, with the terminal a kilometre or so from the town centre and untouched by the rally.

The Charco, the natural saltwater pool by the harbour, and the restaurants along the promenade run as usual. Anyone visiting Agaete on 18 May between roughly 12:30 and 14:00 should expect short traffic restrictions around Plaza de la Constitución and the town hall. A peaceful citizens' rally is no security concern for onlookers — on the contrary, it offers a window into how a Canarian community organises itself democratically.

The political context

In online comments on InfoNorte Digital, the rally was interpreted as an attempt to put political pressure on the mayor. Ayoze Gil pushed back in his statement to COPE: «This isn't about political colours, this is only about security.» He says he has received broad support from the public, particularly from older residents who thanked him for putting a real situation into words.

The conflict between business owners and the town administration is hard to separate from the local political climate — yet the underlying fact is independent of it. Eight to nine break-ins in a few days are an anomaly for a village of this size. The 18 May rally will show how many residents share that assessment.

Frequently asked questions

Has Agaete become dangerous for tourists?
No. The break-ins target closed business premises at night, not tourists. By day Agaete is a quiet harbour town with a ferry to Tenerife and the popular natural pool at the Charco.
Should I cancel my day trip to Agaete?
No. Restaurants, harbour and Charco are accessible during the day. The 18 May rally at 12:30 is a peaceful citizens' gathering by local business owners.
What about the ferry to Tenerife?
The Naviera Armas ferry from Puerto de las Nieves to Santa Cruz de Tenerife runs as scheduled. The ferry terminal sits about a kilometre from the town centre and is not affected by the rally.
When exactly is the rally and where?
Monday 18 May 2026, 12:30. Start: Plaza de la Constitución. Destination: town hall. Slogan: «Seguridad no es un privilegio, es un derecho de todos» — security is not a privilege but a right for all.
How many break-ins occurred?
According to business owners speaking to Radio Las Palmas, the past few days saw eight to nine break-ins at various premises plus several vehicle thefts. One bar was hit twice in the same night.