Plans to tackle squatting

Callosa de Segura town hall’s committee against squatting held two meetings last week and called on residents to get involved in the fight. Last Thursday they met with Guardia Civil and local police, and on Friday with members of the judiciary. Mayor Manuel Martínez said they will coordinate to do what they can, but insisted changes to the law and penal code are required to better protect private property.

“For now we are going to improve police and Guardia Civil protocols and reports to provide the judiciary with as much information as possible,” he said.

“At the same time, we need residents to get involved because in cases of squatting it is vital that we act rapidly, so we are going to set up a phone line for residents to alert us to possible occupations or overcrowding.” This week the committee has meetings with social agents, property administrators, utility companies and banks with properties in Callosa. Meanwhile, Murcia regional government is working on a protocol to tackle organised squatting gangs and reduce the increasing number of illegally occupied homes. The authorities revealed that holiday homes and uninhabited properties are being targeted by gangs which sell socalled squatter’s rights to individuals. They are meeting groups involved in all sides of the property industry to gather their suggestions and proposals to include in the protocol.

“The squatting movement has developed into a mafia and our mission is to prevent these gangs operating in the Murcia region,” he said.