Bunch of keys found

ILLUSTRATION ONLY 

JIMENA We have just been told that a bunch of keys was found on La Encubierta in Jimena, and they have been handed over to the Local Police (Phone: 956 640 064). The police tell us that they have a number of keys that have been handed over to them as found but nobody claims them. (Photo: illustration only)

Clampdown on foreign registered vehicles

Gibraltar-registered vehicles are not exempt
SPAIN Drivers will have noticed that the Guardia Civil Traffic Unit are stopping them more frequently. They should know that the local Guardia Civil are well aware of all the foreign registered vehicles in their area; they know how long a person has been living in the area, and whether or not they have foreign-plated car at the door. Below, you will find a summary of what the law says -and a few suggestions- about a foreign registered car, most of which the GC have until now not been bothered with much. Until now. We keep hearing about cars being towed away or confiscated at the roadside because they are now clamping down on these illegal vehicles. The law is not specific about Gibraltar-plated cars, but it must be assumed that their owners living on this side of the border  are covered by the same law.>>>

Municipalities look to fines as cash cows

JEREZ The municipality of Jerez has just given notice that it is prepared to lower costs without lowering income. One of the ways it is proposing to do this particular bit of financial gymnastics is via fines. Although the report mentions only traffic fines, we would bet on them and every other municipality in deep doo-doo, finding a way of fining us for everything from painting a tiny spot on the house without a licence to following one as we walk the dog (did he pick it up?). In other words -and we are getting increasingly cynical- we are warned. Needless to say, there are other moves from the Government after today's Cabinet meeting (held usually on Friday but tom tomorrow's a national holiday).

Ten arrested in weekend operations in Tesorillo

JIMENA / San Martín del Tesorillo The Guardia Civil detained a total of ten people in two separate incidents over last weekend. The first incident was a street fight outside a disco, in which six were arrested. The quarrel also involved others who were severely injured and needed medical attention. The second involved four people who allegedly set fire to a car, having previously damaged it heavily, and which spread to another two vehicles in the immediate vicinity. The fire also caused damage to the Town Hall offices as well as the post office. All the arrested are now 'at the disposal of the courts'.

Firecrackers are illegal until New Year's Eve

Local police warn that letting off fireworks or firecrackers of any kind are illegal until New Year's Eve. Sales are also illegal unless by a properly authorized establishment meeting stringent standards and requirements. Fines can be up to €3,000 for illegal sales. If you can identify someone either letting off a firecracker before the time, or identify someone selling them illegally, you can make a denuncia at the Local Police station. (Note: It may be illegal but the law also needs to be applied.)

Local Police on seat belt and child restraint campaign

(Source: press release) As suggested by the Provincial Traffic authority, Jimena's Local Police will be carrying out a campaign aimed at controlling drivers' use of seat belts and child restraints from today to September 18. Remember that not using these items is not only foolish but can also incur heavy fines as well as loss of points on your driving licence.

New police station ready for occupation

JIMENA (Press release) Mayor Pascual Collado and the provincial delegate of thje Junta de Andalucía, Gabriel Almagro, this afternoon visited the new police station building that has just been finished. With the mayor were Citizen Security Councillor, Andrés Beffa, that of Public Works, Fernando Gómez, and the Chief of Local Police, Francisco Espejo. The new building is located at the entrance to the village from the A-405, next to the old silo. According to Gómez, the last details, such as furniture and other facilities, are in the process of arrival, so the Local Police will soon be able to move in.

Guardia Civil union says they are 'pressured' to increase traffic fines

The Unión de Oficiales de la Guardia Civil Profesional, one of several unions covering the force, says that the Ministry of the Interior, under which they operate, "continues to exert pressure to increase the number of denuncias (i.e. fines)" by creating "a Machiavellic points system that evaluates an officer and influences his or her pay check." The statement comes at a time when thereis an alleged 'down pen strike' by traffic police that has resulted in a decrease in the number of fines emmitted. The union goes on to say that the system could have serious consequences, as the points system fosters an 'anything goes' attitude "in order to protect our measly wages." It adds that (Get the whole story on CampoPulse)