Calafell, in Tarragona, has moved to address concerns over alleged violent acts and disorder by meeting the parents of around 20 young people, along with the children themselves.

Town officials said the group was linked to robberies, public disorder and a wider sense of insecurity in the municipality. They said the young people formed two separate groups, apparently unconnected, but had been present for months in areas where residents and shopkeepers had raised concerns.

One group was seen on Avinguda de Catalunya in Segur de Calafell, while the other was reported around the promenade and port area. Police had identified the young people, and some had already faced formal complaints. Most are minors, although some are over 18.

Mayor Ramon Ferré said the purpose of the meeting was to inform parents of the situation. He said most parents claimed they were unaware of their children's activities, and added that the council would act decisively. He also said that, as many of the young people are nearing 18, the Criminal Code could apply to them in future.

Ferré said the young people had been repeatedly present near violent incidents, which led the council to contact families directly. He added that the meeting had already had some effect, with tension easing in the two problem areas, although patrols in uniform and plain clothes would continue.

In Segur de Calafell, a district police station for the Mossos d'Esquadra is planned for Avinguda de Catalunya. It will serve both Calafell and Cunit. The announcement was made at a Calafell Security Board meeting on Monday, attended by Catalan interior minister Núria Parlon and all police forces.

At that meeting, officials said crime in Calafell had risen by 1.2%, which they described as a stabilisation. They also highlighted concern over insecurity around Carrer Monturiol promenade and Avinguda Catalunya in Segur. Recent incidents on the Calafell beach promenade included a stabbing last weekend and a shooting the weekend before, and officials said the two cases are not connected. The Mossos are investigating the shooting.

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