A police operation revealed that abandoned municipal properties in Quito are occupied by homeless and represent a growing risk for citizen security.
The National Police of Ecuador made an intervention on Tuesday, May 6, 2025 in THE MARIN, Historic Center of Quitowhere he identified abandoned municipal properties occupied by people in street situationbecoming foci of Insecurity and drug useaccording to the authorities.
Public properties without use: Risk focus on the Historic Center
During the operation, led by the major Esteban GuzmánChief of District Operations Manuela Sáenzabandoned public spaces were identified with dangerous objects inside.
One of these properties, located under a high step, It contained at least 15 white weapons and utensils associated with the consumption of illicit substances.
“These are sites that, due to their deterioration and location, end up being taken by homeless people,” Guzmán explained.
Four circuits considered critical by the police
Police executes daily operations in Panecillo, Historic Center, Itchimbía and San Juanwhere the largest amount of vulnerable population is concentrated.
These sectors present High incidence of informal occupations in abandoned public spaces, which worries the neighbors and authorities locales.
Properties, previously used for commercial activities, are now totally deteriorated and without clear institutional intervention.
municipality of Santo Domingo intervenes Ambato Street to relocate informal merchants
-
Municipal authorities recognize that there are deteriorated municipal buildings
The councilor Joselyn Mayorga He pointed out that limiting to eviction does not solve the structural problem.
“We need one Integral Reactivation of the Historic Centerto consider the use of these spaces and their social impact, ”he said.
Mayorga warned that installing walls or barriers is not a sustainable solution. “If structures must be overthrow, it must be with citizen dialogue,” he insisted.
The councilor Analía Ledesma indicated that there is already a unused municipal properties censusdeveloped from the Economic Development Commission.
This report proposes mechanisms to facilitate your lease or assignment to social organizations who work with people in street situations.
However, he regretted that There is a lack of political will To implement a plan with Budget, schedule and defined objectives.
Police intervention will continue in deteriorated municipal buildings of the Historic Center
While a coordinated action between the municipality and other entities is expected, the National Police It maintains daily operations to mitigate risks.
These include patrols, inspection of abandoned structures and confiscation of dangerous objects.
The goal is Prevent crimes and protect both the community and the vulnerable population that occupies these properties.
Called to an integral and sustained response
Mayor and Ledesma councilors agree that a articulated institutional responsewhich includes National Government, Municipality and Social Organizations.
It is a problem that combines Citizen Security and Human Rightsso they demand public policies with social approach.
Quito faces the challenge of recovering its historic centerwithout excluding those who need support.
