Steve Marshall says he has been hearing “disquieting stories” from La Cala, Mijas, including a reported attack on a man returning home at night.

According to the account he received, three youths wielding what were described as “bats” attacked and robbed the man close to Butibamba. Even after he handed over his money, the attackers allegedly stood on his arms and beat him black and blue, leaving him with a bloody gash to his head.

Marshall also refers to a robbery at the Galp garage, where Amazon collection boxes were reportedly vandalised. He says he was told that security cameras were operating, but questions their deterrent value.

“Why does this seem to be happening now?” he asks. “Were the same culprits who attacked the man walking home involved? Is it down to the pressures of the cost of living? I don’t know.”

Mijas Council has also announced plans for more than 150 surveillance cameras across the municipality as part of its efforts to improve public safety and crime prevention.

Where are the night patrols?

“What I do know is that there is little to no police presence at night,” Marshall says, adding that his own experience has been of seeing officers patrolling in the mornings.

“It is well documented that a physical police deterrent, patrolling our streets, not only reassures residents, it discourages crime,” he argues.

His concerns extend to a recent visit to the local police station in Las Lagunas. Arriving in the early afternoon, he says the station appeared closed, with its doors locked. An officer eventually allowed him and his wife inside after his wife explained that, because Marshall is disabled, waiting outside was not an option. He says they were initially told to return later.

As they left, the couple counted as many as 13 police cars parked nearby.

“Surely not all the police were having lunch at the same time?” he asks.

Marshall welcomes reports of increased funding for local police but believes residents deserve to see a visible presence on their streets. “We read a lot about the local police being given priority in funding and that is welcome news,” he says. “But my simple question is ‘where are they?’”

Mijas Council previously announced an increase in local police spending, taking its 2025 budget to almost €1.5 million.

Local elections are closing in fast on the Costa del Sol, and registry ends in December. Perhaps this is the time to make one’s voices heard.

A pre-Halloween lunch organised by Age Concern Marbella and San Pedro proved another big hit, with 51 people turning out for an afternoon of food, fun and friendship in San Pedro Alcantara.

Held at G Wines on Thursday, October 22, the event was part of the charity’s ongoing programme of affordable lunches and social gatherings, designed to help older residents enjoy regular opportunities to meet and spend time together.

Demand was so strong that the restaurant, including its terrace, was packed with diners. The impressive turnout showed just how popular these get-togethers have become, with attendees enjoying the chance to socialise in a relaxed and welcoming setting.

Halloween quiz brings some surprises

Raffle tickets were sold at €5 per strip, with a generous selection of prizes donated by Age Concern members. One gentleman was so enthusiastic that he spent as much on raffle tickets as he did on his lunch!

A special Halloween quiz provided another highlight. Organised by one of the charity’s members, who dressed up as a Traitor, the fiendishly clever questions added a seasonal twist to the afternoon’s entertainment.

Events like these offer more than an enjoyable meal out. Regular opportunities to meet friends, make new acquaintances and share a few laughs can be an important part of staying socially active and connected, particularly for older people who might otherwise spend much of their time alone.

Age Concern Marbella and San Pedro organises these gatherings to make socialising accessible and affordable, helping older residents maintain friendships and enjoy a varied social life.

Christmas lunch coming up

The charity’s next major get-together will be its annual Christmas lunch at The Hogan Stand in San Pedro on Thursday, December 3. Tickets cost €50 per person and include a three-course meal, with three choices, including turkey. Entertainment will come from the remarkable Mr Maph, who puts the soul into the Costa del Soul, and the ever-popular Del Sol singers.

The ticket price also includes a donation to Age Concern Marbella and San Pedro, helping the organisation continue its work supporting older residents in the Marbella area. Bookings can be made through the charity’s website, ageconcernmarbella.com, where visitors can also find out more about its activities and the assistance it offers. Again, Age Concern have shown the importance of sticking together in Spain, and what friendship really means.

The National Police homicide unit led the investigation, ending in a father and son in jail. Credit: Sauce Reques / Shutterstock