New cautionary signs aimed at British travelers have been installed in Tenerife, the popular Spanish island known for its year-round sunny weather. The Canary Islands saw a remarkable surge in tourism in 2024, with nearly 18 million visitors, marking a 10% increase from the previous year.
Tenerife, the most sought-after destination in the Canary Islands, drew over 6.2 million international tourists and 900,000 domestic visitors, with British tourists leading the pack at 2.8 million visitors in 2024, outnumbering German tourists threefold.
Despite Tenerife’s attractions like warm January temperatures, expansive sandy beaches, and budget-friendly bars, visitors are being cautioned about the prevalence of pickpocketing and muggings on the island. To address the rising incidents, warning signs have been placed on sidewalks in popular tourist spots like Los Cristianos, Playa de las Americas, Puerto Colón, Puerto Santiago, and Los Gigantes, while social media messages are being disseminated to raise awareness.
Reports indicate a growing trend of thefts in certain areas of Tenerife, notably around English pubs in Los Cristianos, such as San Francisco Avenue, identified as a high-risk zone, particularly during nighttime and peak tourist periods. Some car rental companies in the southern region have taken proactive measures by advising customers to secure their belongings and avoid leaving valuables unattended.
According to the Ministry of the Interior, crime rates in the Canary Islands rose by 3.3% during a nine-month period in comparison to the same period in 2024, with property-related crimes showing a notable increase. Instances of violent robberies spiked by 12.8% and thefts by 3.5%, as reported by Tenerife Weekly.