Candelaria Testa asserts that there is no crime problem in San Pedro Bautista, despite residents' complaints. The opposition criticises the situation and demands more security measures.
The Mayor of Alcorcón, Candelaria Testa, has dismissed concerns about safety in the San Pedro Bautista neighbourhood, despite recent complaints from residents. In a statement following the Local Security Board, Testa claimed that both the National Police and the Local Police are constantly monitoring the area and assured that "there is no specific security problem." This statement comes amid a tense climate marked by political accusations and alarming testimonies from the neighbourhood.
Concerns began to arise in early July when residents reported issues related to youth groups gathering in the local park and square. According to residents, these groups created disturbing noise at night, threw objects, and even engaged in fights, leading some to avoid using the park.
The conflict escalated when Vox Alcorcón decided to visit the neighbourhood to hear citizens' concerns. Its spokesperson, Pedro Moreno, publicly reported being subjected to insults and assaults while filming a video about the situation. Moreno demanded an increase in police presence to address what he described as a serious crisis in terms of coexistence.
As complaints proliferated on social media and local media, more serious incidents also emerged. One of the most notable episodes was the assault on a 56-year-old neighbour who suffered a fractured jaw after confronting several youths. Such incidents further fueled the political debate on how to handle the situation.
However, Testa defended her position by stating that many reported incidents do not accurately reflect what occurred. For example, she explained that one of the videos that went viral as vandalism was simply a recording of a friendly match among youths where one suffered a sprain. Additionally, she clarified that another mentioned fight did not involve youth gangs but rather two adults unrelated to the problematic youth context.
The mayor lamented that some politicians seek "the easy click" by spreading alarming information without relying on concrete data provided by law enforcement. This statement resonates particularly given the current electoral context where each party seeks to capitalise on any perceived weakness of the local government.
Despite the official rejection to consider this situation as a real crisis, many residents continue to feel concerned about their personal and family safety. The tension between local authorities and citizens seems far from resolved as these contradictory perceptions about what is really happening in San Pedro Bautista persist.
For those interested in actively participating in improving their community or expressing their concerns on this issue, it is recommended to attend upcoming meetings organised by neighbourhood associations where these problems will be addressed directly with municipal representatives.
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