British police officers are flying out to two Spanish resorts to help the local force deal with UK nationals involved in crime.

Two officers from the West Midlands force will patrol alongside the Guardia Civil in Magaluf, on the island of Mallorca, and San Antonio, on Ibiza, to assist in investigations where British holidaymakers are offenders or victims.

Both of the resorts have a reputation for attracting young British holidaymakers who engage in binge drinking and casual sex. In 2011-12, 500 Britons were arrested on Mallorca and Ibiza combined. Most arrests were for drunken behaviour, such as fighting or criminal damage, as well as drug-related crime.

The British ambassador to Spain, Simon Manley, said: “The presence of UK police officers will help to remind British holidaymakers of the importance of respecting local laws and customs, ensuring that everyone has a safe and enjoyable holiday, free from trouble and crime.”

The move comes as the Mallorcan authorities are trying to rebrand the resort nicknamed “Shagaluf” by introducing restrictions on pub crawls and drinking in the street. Last year, Magaluf’s notoriety peaked when mobile phone footage emerged of an 18-year-old woman from Northern Ireland giving oral sex to 24 men on a pub crawl, egged on by a DJ calling her a “slag”. In 2012 three British tourists died falling from hotel balconies in Magaluf, while reports of rapes and muggings have risen.

The officers, who will be in full British uniform, will begin patrols on Monday, spending the first week in Magaluf before heading to San Antonio for another week in what is being described as a trial operation.



They will concentrate on areas frequented by large numbers of tourists including beaches, airport terminals and town centres.

Andy Marshall, National Police Chiefs’ Council lead on international policing, said: “Their presence will offer reassurance to both locals and UK citizens in areas that significantly increase in population during the busy summer holiday season and provide support to victims of crime during what can be a traumatic experience, especially when away from home.”

The deployment of British officers has been funded and planned in conjunction with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Police officers from France, Germany, Italy, Portugal and Morocco have all previously patrolled tourist hotspots with the Guardia Civil.



