Resort ‘con artist’ get a break

Trader, residents and hoteliers along the Playa de Palma were stunned yesterday by the news that the restraining order on ‘con men’ was revoked. Last year the Mayor of Palma, Matey Isern, as highly praised for the touch stance he took on a combating the con artist or “trileros” as they are know locally.  In response to mounting tension between traders, local residents, the con artists and also illegal street vendors, Mayor Isern not only stepped up the number of police patrols and police on the beat, but also issued a restraining order which banned the street vendors and the con artists from going within 500 metres of the seafront promenade and the bulk of holiday makers.  But, with the summer season about to get into full swing, it appears that the prosecution service has decided to revoke the restraining order, much to the shock of the local community.  In response, Palma City Council is drawing up fresh legislation in order to continue the fight against the illegal trades including immediate confiscation of their goods, games and takings. The Palma Hotel Association has also said it too intends to take action to challenge the ruling. Mallorca estate agents have made representation to local police to have more presense in local supermarket carparks and busy tourist carparks such as in Puerto Andratx, Camp de Mar, San Telmo / Sant Elm & Puerto Portals