Ibi Strengthens Security for the 2024 Moors and Christians Festivities

The Ibi Town Council has held the Local Citizen Security Council prior to the 2024 Moors and Christians Festivities. The meeting was attended by Deputy Government Representative Juan Antonio Nieves Martínez; Mayor of Ibi, Sergio Carrasco Martínez; Local Police Officer of Ibi, Elvira Vidal Sempere; Commander of the Civil Guard at the Main Post of Ibi, Lieutenant José Joaquín González Tercero; Captain of the Civil Guard, second-in-command of the Ibi company, Antonio Gárate Troya; Chief of the National Police of Alcoy, Jesús Sánchez Jiménez; and National Police Officer assigned to the Valencian Community, José Antonio Fernández de la Dueña. Also in attendance was Deputy Mayor for Social Services and Equality of Ibi Town Council, Montse Agulló.

The Council addressed significant issues such as the reinforcement of citizen security that Ibi receives during the Major Moors and Christians Festivities, both in street protection and event security, to prevent any incidents and ensure that the festivities are peaceful and safe, according to the Town Hall.

Support from USECIC (Citizen Security Unit of the Civil Guard) has been requested for the nights of September 13th and 14th. Additionally, the Council highlighted the collaboration between the Local Police and Civil Guard during the festival days, as well as reinforcement in rural areas and peripheral neighborhoods. This year, concrete blocks will be placed in various areas to prevent high-speed vehicle entry into crowded streets.

According to Civil Guard reports, Ibi is below average in terms of crime rate, with property crimes being most prevalent. Despite this, data remains better than in 2023. The collaboration between Local Police and Civil Guard is noteworthy, especially in drug trafficking cases, despite personnel shortages. The Town Council's Departments of Social Services and Diversity will set up Violet Points to prevent sexual assault cases, which have increased by 1.49% over the past year. Although this increase seems minor, it concerns authorities. There is an emphasis on being particularly vigilant against rising crimes against sexual freedom, which intensify more intensely during the summer period and local celebrations.