Break ins

[Ivemovedon]

Not sure it carries any weight comparing the UK to fuerteventura but one thing i do know is that in the UK justice system language interpreters are provided free of charge from Albanian to Urdu. All down to the old British tax payer. But thats another story. Considering the vast amounts of revenue provided by tourism ( probably the only revenue) i dont believe it is too much to ask for a few multi lingual interpreters to be on call out to police premises. Something to remember here is that most of the nationalities you mention are well versed in the English language which should make things even easier. If you have a customer that pays good money you go the extra mile to keep them happy. Its good business in the long run. What you don't do is treat them as if they are a pain in the opening at the lower end of the alimentary canal through which solid waste is eliminated from the body.

[Captain Sensible]

This is Spain, Stedge.  The language is Spanish.

The authorities deal in Spanish, and that's that.

Interpretators are available - one lives up the road from me.

[Ivemovedon]

Yes Spain is Spain captain. But its also 2012 not 1950. We've all moved on to better international intigration within the EU. Not so Spain it seems.By the way i know interpreters are available. I paid 40 euros for one a few weeks back.

[Voldermort]

Sorry Captain is right.....The Guardia do their best but within limits.If you go to France and expect the Gendarmerie to be integrated and speak multi lingo you are going to be disappointed as well.......If  you are going on holiday, and or buying a property there then learn the language.....................as for the EU you can shove that where the sun dont shine as hard as you can....

[fifi]

If a tourist is robbed and they go down to the local police in Caleta they are given a number in Madrid to phone. I dont know why they bother suggesting that to be honest other than trying to find an English speaker.  The local Police are unable to issue paperwork for insurance and the crime has to be denounced in Rosario anyway.  I wonder how many tourists would be able to manage to find a translator and make it into Rosario within the period specified by the insurance companies? I think that it has to be done within about 24 hours. Its not easy.

[Ivemovedon]

Learn the language when you go on holiday?. Don't think thats too practical a solution. France's economy is bolstered by agriculture, industry and a multitude of other businesses. They don't rely soley on the revenue produced by tourism. Fuerteventuras does. And no i don't think captain is right, it wouldn't be too costly or too much of a hardship to make life a little easier for those who in the long run pay their wages. As fifi has just stated its a rubbish system and certainly not foreigner friendly.

I have to agree about the EU though)

[zedzedeleven]

We need a universal language. Oh, wait, we have one, Esperanto. But seeing as no one speaks it  then it has to default to English. Can`t remember hearing much Polish or Russian or Chinese on QFM Spike.
I once got a "lift" from Rosario nick to Corralejo after helping the police with their enquiries,   the two career type college boy shamus`s in the front babbled away to each other, never said a blind word to me all the way until I got out and then they thanked me and wished me a safe journey home. In perfect English.

[Spike On Q]

QFM was an English speaking station, Hola FM is a German speaking station all privately finanaced and aimed at a particular audience - no comparison with a government oranisation

[Uncleinvisible]

Taking this off original topic but feel the need to respond to the moans about road signs and traffic fines.
The roads on this island are first class compared to the UK, there are speed indications signs every where to ensure the speed of the motorist is compatible with the road conditions, ie if you are approaching a steep bend on a 90kph you will initially be slowed to 70 and then if required a 50, also there will be similar reductions approaching villages, junctions, roundabouts and known blackspots, it is all done in the name of safety and makes perfect sense, also being so many speed signs you should never be caught speeding, if you are don't look to blame anyone else. Lights on going toward Corry was to assist in vehicle visibility during the admittedly rare road works, signs at either end of the road works indicate this requirement. 
Take a wander into Fragiles in Cotillo and ask a local if they get stopped, make sure your fully conversant with local sweary words if you want to fully understand.
The majority of road policing actions are carried out by Guardia Civil Traffico (the clue is in the name), other departments and Policia will stop you but only if an offence has been perceived to be committed.  I dont think their speeding policy is any different to the one in the UK, where there are many more fixed speed cameras, unmarked cars, overbridge speed traps, random speed checks, average speed cameras to name but a few.
There are laws and restrictions on this island that don't seem to make sense to us expats, but they are their laws and if you choose to ignore them then you will pay the consequences. I am speaking from experience being done once for speeding, which I was, but only just and failing to stop at a crossing in Corry.
The main difference I find here is that you are found to be in contravention of a driving law, you will be fined, no warning, no second chance, just like back home it is a big fund raising scam being perpetrated on the easy target motorist, but not unique to Fuerte which is a great and safe place to drive

[Ivemovedon]

All what you say may be true. But not the issue.  Its that the amount of road blocks with vehicle and passenger checks, a good 60% or more of which must be holidaymakers in hire cars, is out of all proportion to whats needed to keep the roads safe. It may well be their way of doing it but it doesn't mean we all have to like it.

[Spike On Q]

We are very fortunate in the "civilised"world. We have choices, if we don't like somewhere, the politics, the culture ,the food, etc. we can stay away. I know there are places I have visited I will NEVER return. I don't publicise the fact, I just stay away. I'm sure there are  places in the world where the local police believe that  the level of police intervention imposed in their area is lower than here in Fuerteventura. It is up to the local authorities and their employees ruled by local elections that decide. It appears a number of people that live here accept the level of "stops"as a method of catching law breakers. I don't see any calls for change from the local populace

[Ivemovedon]

its quite hard to stay away when you own a house there and not a snowflakes chance in hell of selling it. But you're happy with it all well and good. Personally i would much prefer it if they'd switch a few traffic officers off the roads and concentrate more effort into burglery which appears to be increasing. Just my preference you understand.

[Spike On Q]

I know what you mean stedge - I wish I could sell my house in Nottingham, where the Nottingham Constabulary were found be be the least effective police force in the UK, where gun crime is the highest in the UK, drug dealing rife, feral gangs rule many areas, etc. etc.

[Ivemovedon]

Have heard that Nottingham has a reputation for being a bit iffy spike. Not a case of robbing the rich and giving to the poor any more either. Anyway wherever we may be and whatever the police force i'm forgetting it all over the next week. Happy Xmas to you

[Spike On Q]

Great way to end a thread stedge - Happy Christmas everyone xx