Subject:- Crime Prevention advice.
1) Further to my message regarding thefts at Cash machines, we are hearing of a number in the Orihuela Costa area.2) The fishermen are about again – The weather is getting warmer and people are leaving windows
open. We are getting reports of rods being used to remove wallets, keys, etc from inside property during the night. Please do not leave such items in view for people outside to see especially if the windows are left open.
3) We are also receiving reports of house doors being forced when they have not been locked properly. A good quality alarm which is connected to a control costs money but can save heartbreak and further cost. The thieves know which alarms are good and not easily disabled.
4) In the shopping areas, the old distraction trick is being used in our area. People, on returning to their car suddenly find a kind person telling them that they have dropped bank notes on the floor as they have got into the car. If this happens, do not be taken in, lock the car doors and drive away. Always beware of attempted distraction thefts especially on car parks. The elderly person asking for assistance, the local official wanting your opinion or you telling you that parking is prohibited or the lost traveller asking directions.
5) Another distraction theft which we have not yet encountered here, is that when it is necessary to reverse from a parking area, the driver finds that these is a piece of paper on his rear window prohibiting his view to the rear. He gets out of his car and is robbed.
6) When withdrawing money from banks, always do not leave the counter or desk before putting money safely away out of sight of other persons inside the bank or looking through bank windows from the street outside
Subject:- Crime Prevention advice.
1) Further to my message regarding thefts at Cash machines, we are hearing of a number in the Orihuela Costa area.
2) The fishermen are about again – The weather is getting warmer and people are leaving windows open. We are getting reports of rods being used to remove wallets, keys, etc from inside property during the night. Please do not leave such items in view for people outside to see especially if the windows are left open.
3) We are also receiving reports of house doors being forced when they have not been locked properly. A good quality alarm which is connected to a control costs money but can save heartbreak and further cost. The thieves know which alarms are good and not easily disabled.
4) In the shopping areas, the old distraction trick is being used in our area. People, on returning to their car suddenly find a kind person telling them that they have dropped bank notes on the floor as they have got into the car. If this happens, do not be taken in, lock the car doors and drive away. Always beware of attempted distraction thefts especially on car parks. The elderly person asking for assistance, the local official wanting your opinion or you telling you that parking is prohibited or the lost traveller asking directions.
5) Another distraction theft which we have not yet encountered here, is that when it is necessary to reverse from a parking area, the driver finds that these is a piece of paper on his rear window prohibiting his view to the rear. He gets out of his car and is robbed.
When withdrawing money from banks, always do not leave the counter or desk
before putting money safely away out of sight of other persons inside the bank
or looking through bank windows from the street outside.
KEEP ALERT AND KEEP SECURE
Information belowOver the past few weeks the press have covered several sensational stories of robberies from Alicante and Murcia airports.
The following advice should keep you from becoming victims of these individuals and gangs at Alicante, Murcia or any other airport.
DO NOT put handbags, briefcases, computer cases or other smaller or lightweight bags on your luggage trolley. Either keep them in your hand or place them in the smaller compartment, keeping hold of the handle.
DO NOT put money, passports, wallets, purses, credit cards or other valuables in your luggage. Keep them secure on your person inside a closed, buttoned or zipped inner pocket.
WHEN COLLECTING YOUR CAR
If picking up a hire car DO NOT accept offers of help with your baggage from someone purporting to be from the hire company, or the same person saying that there has been an administrative mistake, give him the keys to the car, loaded with your luggage, and go and sort it out at the hire car office.
When loading your luggage in or out of the car boot:
DO NOT put handbags or other small items on the front seats or on the roof of the car and at all times keep the luggage trolley close to the rear of the car.
BE AWARE of distraction thieves who may approach and ask for change for the parking meter, ask for directions or point out a supposed flat tyre or scratch on your car. Their aim is to distract you whilst they or an accomplice snatches an item(s) of luggage. When returning your trolley remember to lock your car doors first.
WHEN LEAVING THE AIRPORT
Firstly lock your car doors as soon as you move off and do not stop if flashed by another car, if someone points to one of your wheels indicating a problem, to help anyone who apparently has broken down and most importantly – if bumped by another car. If this happens drive to a welllit area with plenty of people around then check your vehicle.
If any of the above happens note the car registration number and make a big show of using your mobile phone.
IF YOU HAVE VISITORS ARRIVING
Please warn them beforehand. At holiday times there is usually a large police presence at the airport but they can’t be everywhere at the same time. The Costa Blanca has its fair share of opportunist thieves, but this is common throughout the world.
REMEMBER, thousands of passengers pass through Alicante and other local airports each week without mishap, and enjoy their time in Spain thoroughly.
2. INFORMATION FOR LOST OR STOLEN PASSPORTS & BANK CARDS
Stolen or lost passport :
Contact the British Consular Office – Mon to Fri 8.30 to 2.30pm 96 521 6022
Weekends and Fiestas and between 10 0 pm and 8.0 am 606 987 626
If urgent 91 700 8200
3. EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS
Numeros de Emergencia
Emergencia (Ambulancia, Bomberos y Policía 112
Policía Local 96 676 0000
Policía Local (Emergencia) 649 900 304
Guardia Civil (Pilar de la Horadada) 96 676 9143
Hospital Torrevieja 96 572 1200
Hospital Torrevieja (Citas) 96 572 1400
Hospital San Jaime 96 692 2539
Medical Centre 96 532 2965 o 96 532 2966
Ayuntamiento 96 676 0000
Emergency Telephone Numbers
Emergency (Ambulance, Fire and Police 112
Policía Local 96 676 0000
Policía Local (Emergencies) 649 900 304
Guardia Civil (Pilar de la Horadada) 96 676 9143
Hospital Torrevieja 96 572 1200
Hospital Torrevieja (Appointments) 96 572 1400
Hospital San Jaime 96 692 2539
Medical Centre 96 532 2965 or 96 532 2966
Town Hall
96 676 0000