Hassle ban in Altinkum

Police investigators are using covert methods to catch businesses hassling holidaymakers, after warning them they face tough sanctions if they continue to offend.

Yalcin Akalinli, the Chief of the Police, said: "Didim is to have a peaceful season this year.” The hassling inspections, which were the duty of the municipal police (zabita) until this year, will be carried out by the city Police. Chief Akalinli, stating that hassling abuses are being noted by undercover police officers using hidden recording equipment said: “This is only the beginning; we are empowered by law, to impose sanctions of up to 30 days of closure. Businesses engaging in hassling may get a five day closure for a first offence, but this penalty will be increased substantially for any subsequent violations. If necessary, we may close them for the rest of the season. Peacefulness in Didim is our first priority. The Governor has stated clearly that this year this matter will be closely monitored and hassling will not be tolerated.”



Thirteen businesses in Altinkum have so far, received five-day closure sanctions, imposed by the police under the scope of the campaign against hassling that started two weeks ago.

The Didim police, who have assigned different teams on day and night shifts against hassling particularly along the Altinkum beach, claimed that following the imposition of sanctions, the seriousness of the matter will be better understood by every business.

Residents of Didim agreed that in recent years, the fight against hassling has been inadequate, due to the closures being imposed towards the end of the season and added that the sanctions should be imposed during the season.

Commenting on the matter, Police Chief Akalinli said “These sanctions will be imposed during the height of the season” and warned businesses to be more careful.

Deniz Atabay, Chairman of Didim Tourism Enterprises Association, congratulated the police on their initial success, adding: “I believe that this year will be a very successful one in the fight against hassling. We will get the first results towards the end of June. Didim must change its image. This must start with businesses. We must understand that Didim is on its way to becoming an important tourism centre of Turkey and the Mediterranean Sea. Those who harm the city for financial reward must be penalised.”