Looky looky men?

[Sparky]

Indeed, where is Bonyslad?! Missing his slighly irreverant posts (and occasional useful information!)

Spoke to BL tonight, it was a bit like Romeo and Juliet in reverse. He was out on his balcony and i was on my way home, so no need to worry guys he is alive and kicking.
By the way i also had a chat with Jose (Bonys) and he said the new sign for "Club Bonyslad" or "Bonyslads Club" should be here soon.

 

[Rangers1]

Coming back on thread i doubt anyone will stop them even the local plod. But they seem to be everywhere not sure what can be done.

 

[copper]

We were on the Costa del Sol in early May and they were much in evidence there A bar owner said it was definately drugs they dealt in and when you look at how many people buy their goods they would need another kind of income !!

They have always gone when asked but they do annoy you when you are sat having a meal or a drink outside What annoyed us most of all though when we were in Valencia last Autumn the beggars It was constant and they wouldnt leave you if you were walking or sitting eating or drinking The Polica seemed to ignore them

Do the looky looky men have to have permits ?

 

[Sparky]

Yes they do but obviously many don't bother.

 

[kate1]

Hopefully beggars won't become a problem in Mallorca - which is the wealthiest region of Spain whereas Valencia is one of the poorest, with terrible unemployment and poverty... so far I have never seen a beggar in Mallorca, not even in Palma.

Have to admit that even in August I didn't think the looky looky men were too much in evidence and they did seem to move on quickly - if you avoid eye contact they don't stay and hassle you. They definitely leave a sleazy and intimidating impression though - hope the clampdown continues.

 

[Smiddy]

Kate, i wouldn't say they were "sleazy", although i would rather they don't bother me. Ive always found them cheery and a good laugh. Never be intimidated by them.

 

[cherylbb]

Have to agree Smiddy. We've never had a problem with them & if you say 'No' they leave you alone. They soon get the message .

 

[sws97sdg]

I have never had a problem, I always give a polite no thanks and they move on, its only when people wind them up or are rude to them I have seen them get agitated, its not a great problem and if people didn't buy things from them they would soon move on to another area!

 

[PaulB]

Agree. Would rather get a bit of hassle (although a simple "No" or a shake of the head always works wonders) than see saturation policing in response to what is at most a minor inconvenience. Now that WOULD actually deter me from holidaying there.

 

[Belladonna]

I agree. There is no need to get nasty with them as you say, a simple smile and shake of the head is all that is required. Wish that worked on the Time Share lot! Although I hurry to say I have not seen them in PP - Alcudia port is their home!

 

[andrew711]

With reference to different points. The lookies do not have permits. Mostly all work without any papers. Mostly all street selling or leafleting is banned, but where it occurs, there has to be a licence.

The police do act from time to time, but it's a thankless task. They take them off the streets, but generally let them go. They haven't got money to pay fines and just clog up cell space. The other thing is, take some off the streets and others just appear.

This all comes from an explanation by an Alcudia policeman. The real issue is trying to stop the distribution channel. Not sure if it is the same in Pollensa, but in Alcudia not only is it illegal for the lookies (or anyone) to sell on the streets, it is also illegal to purchase from them. This is an Alcudia by-law at any rate.

On drugs, this has long been a source of business for the lookies. One of them had the misfortune to approach a holidaymaker in Alcudia, together with his young family, tried to sell him crack and discovered he was a British copper who had to be restrained from chucking him in the canal.

And re time share. The touts are not in evidence this year. But they used to also come to Puerto Pollensa (the nautical club roundabout was the main centre of operation) and then bus people back to Alcudia.

 

[Tommo]

Lucky Lucky Men.
Ban them! They are a front for illegal activity and will take PP down market if they are allowed to continue.
Agreed Sparky keep the legitimate traders.
Kenpool dont give them your hard earned.

 

[Nick]

When I go away on holiday I don't want to be pestered by people trying to sell me things.
If enough people were rude to them and didn't buy from them these people would soon get the message.
Shame they can't be banned from PP as in Alcudia then.

And a big pat on the back to the off duty PC who dealt with then forcefully.

They are bad news.