Family of missing Scotsman warn of 'dark side' of popular holiday destination
The family of a Renfrew man who disappeared more than two years ago has issued a fresh warning to holidaymakers travelling to Lanzarote.Gary Shearer vanished on the Canary Island after arriving on March 16, 2023, to celebrate St Patrick’s Day.AdvertisementThe then 53-year-old checked into the Oasis Apartments in Puerto del Carmen and sent his family a photograph by the pool shortly after arriving.READ MORE:Residents near Glasgow warned of disruption to water supplyMissing man with Rangers tattoo may have travelled to Glasgow's Four CornersCCTV released as concern mounts for Ayrshire man missing for almost two weeksAfter securing his belongings at the hotel, Gary took €70 and headed out. At around 5.30pm, he texted his mum to say he was going to Bar 67.AdvertisementHe was last seen wearing a Celtic top, white shorts, white trainers with blue and yellow trim and carrying a black bag.CCTV later captured Gary unconscious in a doorway near the bar at around 1.30am.He has not been seen or heard from since.His family has never given up hope and has repeatedly appealed for information that could help establish what happened.Relatives have travelled to Lanzarote on several occasions to carry out their own searches and inquiries.AdvertisementThey say Spanish police told them they believe Gary may have entered the water on the night he disappeared.Now, his family has spoken out to warn others about what they describe as the “dark side” of the holiday hotspot, urging visitors to remain vigilant, particularly at night.READ MORE:Extensive searches continue for 33-year-old who has not been seen in over 10 daysFamily of missing Celtic fan pay tribute on his birthdayTeen due to appear in court after 'murder bid' on man in Glasgow city centre£30K worth of cocaine found in drug dealer's flat after raidAdvertisementIn a statement they made to social media, Gary's family said: "Unfortunately, since Gary went missing, we have heard from so many people who have come forward to tell us about their own experiences of being mugged, robbed, or victims of other crimes in Lanzarote."What’s heartbreaking is how often these incidents seem to be brushed aside or not properly dealt with."One comment we constantly see is 'I visit Lanzarote all the time and feel so safe.'Advertisement"As a family who are living through the worst experience imaginable, we urge everyone visiting the island to stay cautious and vigilant."Yes, you may have felt safe on previous visits. Gary did too. He had visited before, felt comfortable, and that’s why he chose to return on his own."Many other families we’ve spoken to say the same thing."They felt safe, unaware of the true level of crime that often goes unspoken about to protect tourism, until they experienced it themselves.Advertisement"Lanzarote can be a beautiful island if you’ve never encountered its darker side, but please always keep your wits about you."There is far more crime than many people realise, and much of it goes unnoticed or unreported publicly."We’ve visited Lanzarote many times ourselves."There was always something that felt uneasy about walking around at night, does not feel safe at all."Of course, after what we’re going through, our feelings may be heightened, but we’ve had countless people tell us they feel the same way.Advertisement"We would hate for anyone else, or any other family, to go through what we are going through now."No place that is praised as being 'so safe' should leave families dealing with this kind of pain."We have seen many families in the police station when we have been over ourselves absolutely devastated by the crimes they’ve experienced on what should’ve been a lovely holiday for them."Please stay safe, look out for one another, and if you have any information at all about Gary, please come forward."
Comments (0)