Business owners in the small town centre of San Fulgencio have raised concerns after an intensive inspection campaign in early March resulted in substantial proposed fines for a range of local shops.

The inspections were carried out by the National Police unit attached to the Valencian regional authority. They followed a December incident in which the unit’s chief, Fernando Gómez, was fined €120 by the Local Police for allegedly dumping rubble and furniture in a domestic waste container. Reports say he unsuccessfully appealed the sanction.

According to local sources, the March operation affected hairdressers, workshops, butchers and bakeries, despite the unit typically focusing on hospitality venues under regional public entertainment laws. Traders have described a significant police presence in the town centre.

Some of those fined have suggested a link between the December sanction and the subsequent inspections. On Monday, attempts to obtain comment from the regional department responsible and from the officer concerned received no response. The local government has said it supports law enforcement but believes coordination with Local Police is important.