Formentera local police write 115 citations for itinerant vending

foto venda ambulant 1The president's office of the Formentera Council reports the island's law enforcement force has logged 115 citations for itinerant sales this summer.

Bartomeu Escandell, who is the chief of the department in addition to head of the local police, says the citations reflect the administration's commitment to supporting local business and stemming the unfair competition that itinerant vendors represent. Quipped Escandell, “itinerant selling is illegal and at odds with the image of tranquility we want our visitors to enjoy”.

Operations and confiscated material
From June to September agents wrote 115 citations and confiscated an array of material including 1,392 pieces of fruit, 1,028 drinks, 1,257 pieces of clothing, 165 pieces of costume jewellery, 13 rucksacks, a barrel, 11 parasols, 20 knives, 17 hammers and other equipment used by vendors.

The months of July and August were particularly noteworthy, with 41 and 42 citations, respectively, or 13% and 27% higher than last year. September saw the number of citations triple, going from three to nine, despite the fact fewer agents were on the force this summer.

Most of the confiscated material came from near Ses Illetes beach, although operations also focused on beaches like Migjorn, Es Caló and the area adjacent to the Es Cap de Barbaria lighthouse.

Drone operations
Formentera local police also wish to highlight their current partnership with the Sant Josep force's drone specialist. The collaboration made it easier for agents to pinpoint well-stocked hiding spots and catch multiple vendors in flagranti and issue the corresponding citations.