Street vendor flees after allegedly threatening police officer on Torrevieja seafront

Torrevieja Local Police launched an operation against unlicensed street trading on the town's seafront, leading to the seizure of 164 suspected counterfeit goods. The operation took place on Saturday, 14 November, near the junction of Calle Apolo and the Juan Aparicio promenade, where several vendors had set up stalls.

According to the police, one of the vendors allegedly threatened a local police officer verbally and with a blunt object while refusing to leave when officers intervened. The man then fled the scene before officers could detain him. The seized items included 78 pairs of trainers, 41 sweatshirts, 23 handbags, 14 belts, and eight sports kits.

The Torrevieja Town Hall's Department of Security and Emergencies cautioned shoppers that purchasing goods from unlicensed street vendors could result in a €200 fine for the buyer, as the sale of counterfeit goods creates unfair competition for licensed businesses and poses potential risks to consumers if products do not meet European safety standards.

Unlicensed street trading has been a persistent issue on the Torrevieja seafront for over two decades, often leading to confrontations between vendors and police. Previous incidents have involved threats against officers, with one case involving a reported knife threat. A vehicle was also damaged during one enforcement operation. The police have increased patrols and sought support from the Guardia Civil to combat the issue. Some vendors have been fined during the ongoing enforcement campaign.