CRIME PREVENTION – SUMMER 2013

Firstly, our contact details:-

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Orihuela Costa Neighbourhood Watch – See our website for details – www.orihuelacoastvc.com or contact Graham Jones Tel No 96 532 7838

E.mail orihuelacostvc@gmail.com

Spain like any other country in the World has crime especially in these hard economical times. We are fortunate in that on the Orihuela Costa and Laguna Green we have a professional and effective Police in the Guardia Civil and Policia Local. In the two years between December, 2008 and December 2010 where there are groups with a total of over 16,000 houses, crime fell by 61%. Crime has continued to decrease over the past years and on looking at the first 4 months of this year in comparison with the same period in 2012 there has again been a further drop, this time of 25% We have a very active Neighbourhood Watch which works with the Police of the area and hope that our activities have played a small part in continued decline.

You can help in keeping crime down. If you see something suspicious happening, do not interfere but try and take the number of any vehicle involved. Do not be afraid to tell the Police and this may be done by using the 112 system. Providing the call is made in good faith the Police welcome such calls.

Do it immediately.

Summer is here. On the Orihuela Costa it is time to enjoy the sun, the sea and

many of the good things that are on offer. Make sure that no-one spoils your time here. Keep your wits about you and your property safe. Only take out with you what you really need. You are in holiday mode and you relax and you enjoy it. That is what you have paid for and you do not think as you normally would do

so in your home environment. Watch out. There´s a thief about. You can help

in keeping crime down by remaining vigilant and remembering the following warnings which are of crime that has occurred here and may happen again in the future.

When you arrive at the airport and you hire a car, do not be taken in by the flustered car hire representative in his or her uniform and has run all the way

from the office to where you have loaded your luggage into the car.

He tells you that he is glad to have caught you and you must return to the office immediately as a mistake has been made. You leave the car keys and the car to his tender mercy only to find out that there has only been one mistake, the one you have just made. The car has gone and so are your belongings.

When travelling by motorway be aware that there are thieves posing as plain clothes Policemen in unmarked cars. The Police in Spain only use plain cars

when checking drivers for speed and traffic offences. However, there is usually an illuminated "stop" signal which is used to stop cars and the agents are always in uniform. If persons in an unmarked car and in civilian clothes try to stop you do not stop, but obtain the number of the car if possible and inform the Police immediately via the 112 system. The genuine police have been successful in arresting members of gangs using this method on the motorways near to Madrid, Barcelona and the border with France, but they are still about.

Similar tactics have been used to try and stop cars leaving our airports.

When using the French and Spanish motorways you need to stop to fill up with petrol. Beware of thieves on the petrol stations particularly near the Spanish French border at La Jonquera and around Barcelona. There are reports of distraction thefts recently in these areas. Always keep car doors locked and don´t open windows to anyone you do not know. Ladies, if you need the toilet leave your handbag hidden away in the locked car. Only carry sufficient money with you to pay for what you buy. If it is necessary to park on the motorway rest areas do not leave the car unattended and only stay for a few minutes.

With summer here we like to spend long warm days on the beaches. Beware,

of thieves. Only take with you what you need and don´t leave it unattended.

If you arrive by car don´t leave anything no matter how small in size or value on view. Don´t leave keys, money or mobile phones in cars even if hidden. Don´t bring Sat Navs or connections to the beach and wipe off those telltale circles on the windows. People have left house keys hidden in cars together with Insurance details or hire agreements and returned to find the car stolen and their home or holiday rental burgled. Previously the Police have arrested thieves attacking cars near to the beaches.

Together with the Beach guards and Police patrols, the Beach bars staff can

help in an emergency. They are trained to give advice and help when required.

They have the emergency numbers and are able to speak a number of European languages. Together with the Council they all want you to enjoy your time here on Orihuela Costa.

Away from the beaches, enjoy our nightlife but again only take with you what

you need . Late at night, walk home in a group and try to keep to populated and well lit areas. Thieves are known to be on the look-out for people with money, who have enjoyed a good drink in the bars and may be returning home alone and be vulnerable.

When out shopping, do not be distracted by persons causing a disturbance

or asking you to lift something off the top shelf for them or seeking directions

in a car park. In our markets, beware of distractions and keep wallets in a safe place, not in shorts pockets. Ladies, please leave your handbags at home unless really needed and do not place them on supermarket trolleys.

When relaxing in the garden, patio or in the pool, make sure that all house doors are locked and closed and never leave important articles, handbags, wallets, keys or jewellery where they can be seen through the windows.

We hope that you enjoy your stay on the Orihuela Costa

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