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Date Published: 31/05/2024

Orihuela Costa fights back against illegal squatters

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A ‘brigade’ of Orihuela Costa locals and police officers will take a multi-pronged approach to tackle okupas

Orihuela Costa fights back against illegal squatters

Fed up with more and more homes being taken over by squatters, or okupas as they are frequently known, Orihuela Costa locals have joined forces with the Police to “coordinate a common front to alleviate this problem.”

At a meeting earlier this week, a multifaceted approach was developed to tackle the most common annoyances caused by squatters, namely the disruption and noise they cause in urbanisations, their avoidance of paying community fees and their exploitation of electricity and water services, and, above all, the stress and financial burden they place on homeowners.

First off, the Orihuela Costa Local Police will launch an information campaign advising residents on the most appropriate agencies to contact if they suspect illegal okupas have moved into their neighbourhood, be that the Security Forces, the Guardia Civil or the Police themselves.

This prevention method is based on the fact that in order for agents to act ex officio, it is necessary to prove that a property has been illegally occupied as quickly as possible, usually within 24 hours. This gives the authorities the best chance of getting the squatters out there and then.

In the meantime, homeowners have been advised to do all they can to deter okupas in the first place. Measures such as installing CCTV cameras, locking external gates and purchasing an alarm system are particularly useful.

To support this campaign, the Orihuela Costa locals have agreed to hand out a booklet to residents which “provides advice that will help achieve prompt police intervention,” explained the coordinator of coastal mayors, Antonio Cerdán.

The local group are also planning to carry out “field work” in collaboration with property administrators to create a comprehensive census on the number of homes that currently have squatters. All of this information will be passed onto the Police.

Finally, according to Mr Cerdán, the Local Police have explained to them that they are going to create a brigade with three or four agents to increase control of the area.

In other news: Orihuela Costa residents threaten legal action if rubbish collection services do not improve

Image: Archive

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