The Sitges Alert app has completed its first half year of operation, exceeding 1,500 downloads. Specifically, 1,533 people have downloaded the app, a fast and effective means of communication with the police in the event of a risky or emergency situation. In this time, the Police have responded to 517 alerts, 245 relating to the red alert button and 268 to the purple button (against gender violence). Most of these alerts have been false alarms. Only in 28 cases have the alerts been real, without any serious cases. Of the real cases, the most common have been for thefts or attempted thefts; health emergencies; fights or aggression; and a traffic accident without injuries. 356 users have used the 112 element and the most used section has been the weather section, which has been consulted 3,862 times.

The councilor of Governació, David Martínez, considers that “it is a good sign that serious situations have not featured heavily because this demonstrates that Sitges is a relatively safe town. However, it is essential that citizens can employ such immediate communication with the police, as this generates a greater sense of security”, and he added that “the more than 1,500 users who have downloaded the APP know that they have direct communication with the Police just by clicking a button”. The councilor encourages “all citizens who live or work in Sitges to register for the application and take advantage of this communication channel. As regards tourists, 106 people who have visited us have downloaded it. We want it to be a useful tool for everyone.”

Two months ago, coinciding with the summer season and with a large volume of tourists, the application was expanded with a button for traders, hoteliers, restaurateurs and night entertainment establishments, so that these groups can also notify the police as quickly as possible in the event of an emergency. 36 establishments have registered on the app so far, and the Police have received two real alerts, each of which was attended to quickly. There was an alert for insults to a waiter, and another for the presence of a person whose behaviour was generating a feeling of insecurity in an establishment. All these affiliated establishments will soon be identified with a sticker so that the public knows that they are part of Sitges Alert.

The app can be downloaded for free from both Play Store and Apple Store. Once downloaded, it is necessary to fill in the fields with the basic data requested, depending on whether the user is a citizen, tourist or establishment, and accept that the mobile is geolocated in case of need. Then it can be used whenever necessary.