Special unit dedicated to security on the Camino de Santiago in Navarre

[CJ Williams]

Hello all,

This news item appeared this morning in the newspaper here. Sharing it here because it's a general announcement and I think most folks will see it here, but if it should go in the "Camino Crime Watch" section, I'll be happy to move it.

The Provincial Police activate the special unit dedicated to security on the Camino de Santiago
Surveillance and preventive services try to ensure the safety of pilgrims

Starting this week, and continuing through 31 October, the Regional Police are reinforcing their vigilance of the Camino de Santiago in Navarre, in order to guarantee the security of the thousands of pilgrims passing through Navarre during these months. This special service is comprised of agents assigned to the “Public Safety and Environmental Protection Brigade”, who will patrol the Camino on foot and by motorbike and all-terrain vehicle, as well as other areas bordering the three Camino routes, such as rest areas and nearby hostels. Information will be provided by agents to those responsible for each pilgrim’s hostel and will focus on preventive measures and establishing a channel of communication for resolving possible incidents related to public safety.

BALANCE OF THE 2017 CAMPAIGN

In last year’s campaign, 1,452 hours of patrolling were carried out at various points along the pilgrim’s route and three interviews were held with the people in charge of each shelter to emphasize the security measures in order to transfer them to their guests. The most important incidents in which the Provincial Police participated were searching for lost pilgrims, assistance with injuries and other problems, and providing information to pilgrims.

In terms of crime, there was a notable downward trend in crimes against property, such as theft and robbery, as well as sexual aggression and abuses such as exhibitionism which had occurred in previous years, and which had generated some alarm in some sections of the Camino. Likewise, the patrols observed deficiencies in way marking, mainly due to deterioration, which was reported to the corresponding body for correction.

http://www.diariodenavarra.es/notic...-especial-del-camino-santiago-585873-300.html

 

[Deleted member 3000]

I think this is a valuable initiative. It is interesting that it shows a downward trend on "crime" by its preventive nature. There seems to be agreement that the Camino is quite safe. Preventive measures will be useful for tired and injured pilgrims, but also may be effective against the small but steady harassment problems for women. There is the possibility that sections after Navarra will get the attention of the "evil doers", but we can hope that will not be the case. An initiative for the entire route would probably be a good idea.

Way to go, Navarra!

 

[MichelleElynHogan]

It would be good to see this happening in the other six provinces.

 

[MinaKamina]

It would be good to see this happening in the other six provinces.

Existing. The current plan is called Plan de Seguridad Ruta Jacobea 2018 for all Caminos to SdC

Promo video of the Guardia Civíl:

Security Plan for the Pilgrim's Way to Santiago de Compostela 2018
Over your footsteps and your breaks.
On all the Caminos that lead you to Santiago.
On your bridges and waterways.
With you, on the remotest trails.
In the sky that accompanies your camino.
On the crossings, on foot.
Through valleys, trails and mountains.
Guiding your steps. At your side. Showing you the way. Reaching out to you. Close to you.
Doing what we do best: Taking care of you.
On the camino, the Guardia Civil watches over your steps, pilgrim.

Security Plan Ruta Jacobea 2018.