New cautionary signs aimed at British vacationers have been erected in Tenerife, a popular Spanish island known for its consistent sunny climate. The Canary Islands, as a whole, experienced a remarkable year in 2024, hosting nearly 18 million tourists, marking a 10% annual increase.
Tenerife, the most sought-after destination, drew over 6.2 million international travelers and 900,000 domestic visitors. British tourists significantly outnumbered other nationalities, with 2.8 million Brits flocking to the island in 2024, tripling the number of German visitors.
Despite Tenerife’s attractions like warm January temperatures, expansive sandy beaches, and affordable bars, visitors face risks of pickpocketing and muggings. Recent reports indicate a surge in theft incidents, prompting authorities to display new warning signs on sidewalks and disseminate alerts to social media users.
The cautionary messages specifically target popular southern spots in Tenerife, such as Los Cristianos, Playa de las Americas, Puerto Colón, Puerto Santiago, and Los Gigantes. Social media platforms are being utilized to report crimes, share photos of suspected thieves, and identify vulnerable areas.
While concrete statistics are scarce, anecdotal evidence suggests an uptick in theft cases in certain Tenerife locations. Notably, areas near English pubs in Los Cristianos, like San Francisco Avenue, are identified as high-risk zones, particularly during nighttime and peak tourist periods.
To mitigate risks, some car rental companies in the south now advise customers on theft prevention measures like keeping valuables secure, avoiding large amounts of cash in wallets, and using front-carrying bags. Additionally, they recommend utilizing fanny packs and refraining from leaving belongings unattended in vehicles.
According to data from the Ministry of the Interior, reported crime rates in the Canary Islands rose by 3.3% during a nine-month period compared to the same period in 2024. Notably, property-related crimes, including violent robberies and thefts, exhibited increases, as highlighted by Tenerife Weekly.