British tourists in a Spanish seaside city have been warned that the authorities will be deploying spy drones to keep tabs on them.
Benidorm is gearing up for the high-tech surveillance operation as England and Spain fans prepare to descend on the Costa Blanca resort for the Euro 2024 final this Sunday. Following England‘s victory over the Netherlands in Dortmund, and Spain‘s triumph against France, tensions are expected to run high.
To ensure peace between the jubilant Brits and the local Spaniards, Benidorm authorities have announced a beefed-up security plan targeting the bustling Rincon de Loix area. Measures include street closures, a ban on glass container sales from 6pm, and the deployment of two drones to oversee the festivities.
Jesus Carrobles, the city’s Citizen Security councillor, emphasised that the strategy is designed to be ‘preventative’. He said: “The aim is to anticipate any behaviour that may happen on roads and public spaces to ensure fans of the two teams can enjoy the match without any incidents.”
The security measures will kick in three hours before the 9pm start, with traffic restrictions on key streets such as Calle Gerona, Avenida de l’Aiguera, and Plaza de la Hispanidad. Local police also confirmed that all hospitality venues in Rincon de Loix will be prohibited from serving drinks on the streets, reports Birmingham Live.
Mayor of Benidorm, Toni Perez, proclaimed: “This will be a day of celebration for the two groups of fans, where a playful and festive atmosphere reigns of quiet and good coexistence between Spaniards and the English.”
Regarding England’s chances, Arsenal star Declan Rice confidently said: “In the last two games we have spoken about Switzerland and Netherlands and how they keep the ball, but we kept the ball as good, if not better.
“I felt really good with Kobbie in there, playing really close together. Stones and the back three has really helped. Jude and Phil in the 10s has really helped.”
“When we’ve sat back in we’ve felt solid. The improvement from the last Euros on the back five is that we’re keeping the ball much better. You have players at club level that are used to taking the ball under pressure and playing in pockets.”