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CRIME DROPS ON THE ORIHUELA COSTA
 
        On the Orihuela Costa the Neighbourhood Watch encourage the co-ordinators to send in crime figures on a monthly basis. These are collated and printed every month to be provided for the benefit of the groups together with the Chief Officers of the Guardia Civil and Policia Local. They are also presented and discussed at meetings with the Police Chiefs and Councillors for Orihuela Costa and Security of Orihuela.
        On comparing the figures for the years of 2008 and through to 2010 and in line with recent figures published by the National Government there has been a continuous decline in the number of crimes reported to the NHW by the groups. In December 2008 where there were 85 groups operating in 115 residencias with 154 co-ordinators. there had been a total of 601 crimes reported to the NHW. This compares with the year to December 2010 with a total of 96 groups, 141 residencias and 173 co-ordinators and where were 237 crimes reported to the NHW,  a reduction of 61%. (To date there are 99 groups in 143 residencias with 175 co-ordinators.)
         One would expect that with the number of groups providing this information having increased, there would be a corresponding increase in the number of crimes recorded. However, with more people looking out for suspicious incidents, taking details of vehicles seen and informing the Police very quickly, thieves are aware that there is a successful system in operation on the Orihuela Costa which deters wrongdoers.
          The NHW supports in a minor role the work of the Chiringuitos del Sol who have the contract to operate their beach bars on the eleven beaches of the Orihuela Costa during the holiday season. They work closely with the Police and the Council and provide assistance and information through their staff who are readily available to help holidaymakers should an emergency arise. During 2010 they are aware of only
three minor crimes having been committed on the beaches of Orihuela Costa. At the close of the 2010 season they were awarded the international and prestigious ISO 9001/2008 Certificate for the quality of their facilities and services and are the only beach services to receive this award in Spain.. 
          It also has to be fully recognized, the determination of Local, Provincial, Regional and National Governments to fight crime in the area. The Guardia Civil and Policia Local have been increased in number and facilities in the shape of the new Centre for Emergencies in La Zenia which is under construction will greatly enhance the effort in dealing with crime.  The continued support and co-operation given to the NHW by the Council of Orihuela over the years is greatly appreciated.
          Lastly but not least, the commitment and professionalism of the agents of the Guardia Civil and the Policia Local working on the Orihuela Costa cannot be praised enough. Both the bodies work closely with the NHW and it is no doubt this co-operation and their great effectiveness is the main reason for the drop in crime seen in the area.
          With the continued co-operation of all concerned, it is hoped that the drop in crime continues in the future years.


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




IMPORTANT WHEN CALLING THE EMERGENCY SERVICES
 
      It is most important that when people living on the Orihuela Costa call the emergency services, that they give their proper address which is:- the name of the Calle, the new number on the blue plate and the number of the house followed by Orihuela Costa. It may help to include the name of the residencia but without the details as above it might cause confusion.
     We recently had an incident in La Zenia where the SAMU ambulance was looking for an address there for about 20 minutes. They had been given just the name of a residencia and a house number. In fact the correct location was situated on the other side of Orihuela Costa, the mistake being that there are a number of same named Residencias in different parts of the area.
     In cases of emergency, time is of the essence and any delay can cost lives.
 
Subject:- Calls to the Emergency Services.
 
Advice:-   The Town Hall of Orihuela has, as you know, placed new postal and emergency numbers on houses and residencias throughout the area of Orihuela Costa. Over a number of months enough time and print has been devoted to explaining the system of the new numbers on the blue plates.
               This, I will not go into, except to say that their use as well as for delivering mail, is to ensure that when the emergency  services are requested, they arrive as quickly as possible.
               However, occasions are arising where ambulances are being requested to attend urgently but the address given is that of  the residencia and not the street name and new number. There are a number of same name residencias on different parts of the Orihuela Costa and this has resulted in ambulances wasting precious time at no fault of their own and putting lives at risk.
               PLEASE ENSURE that all residents and visitors are made aware of their correct street name and blue plated number as  these are essential when the emergency services are needed.
 
 
 
Subject:- Crime Prevention Advice.
Advice:-  As you will know, when we are experiencing some beautiful sunny weather at the moment although it may be a little on the cold side it is is a good time to go for a walk to and along our beaches especially when you probably have them to yourselves and then to take in the sun sitting under a wall sheltered from the wind.
              How this can change, especially for the ladies when they have their handbag lying beside them and no-one in sight or so they think! This has happened on Calle Capitan beach at Cabo Roig when the victim suddenly saw her handbag disappearing over the wall above her on the end of a "fishing" line but can happen on any beach.
              Always be alert and be safe and only take out with you what you need whilst you are out. Remember, no matter the surroundings, thieves can also be about enjoying more than you are.
 
Subject:- Credit and Bank Card thefts.
 
1)  Leisure centre lockers found open after being locked. All looks O.K. and Credit cards still there.
2)  Customer paid for meal in a restaurant with card and received receipt wrapped around the card. Later found that the card was not his but an old expired card for someone else.
3)  Customer paid for a take away meal with card. Whilst waiting for the receipt the card was placed on the counter and the cashier used his mobile phone which then made a sound that a phone makes when it has taken a photo. A photo had been made of the card.
Advice:- This is a summary of an e-mail received and may not have been from Spain. However, it shows the importance of being very careful when using Bank or Credit Cards. If cards have been stolen, copied or thought to have been copied, cancel immediately. A list of emergency telephone numbers for English and Spanish banks are in our Notes and Forms pack

 

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 below
1. Special Security Advice 2. Information for Lost or Stolen Bank Cards 3. Emergency Phone Numbers
 
1.SPECIAL AIRPORT SECURITY ADVICE

Over 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

List of contact telephone numbers to report loss or theft of credit cards.

ENGLISH BANKS

All prefixed by 0044 if in Spain or another country

ABBEY NATIONAL 1908 344900

ALLIANCE & LEICESTER 1519 441220

AMERICAN EXPRESS 1712 229633

BARCLAYS VISA 1604 230230

BRITANNIA 1538 399135

CARDGUARD 1904 544633

CHELSEA BS 1242 578434

CO OP BANK 1695 726621

CPP CARD PROTECTION 1904 544622

CLYDSDALE BANK 1132 424800

DINERS 1252 513500

FIRST DIRECT 1132 345678

HALIFAX 8457 203099

HSBC 8456 100100

MARKS & SPENCER 1244 681681

MASTERCARD 8000 969779

MBNA 1244 672111

MIDLAND 8184 503122

NATWEST VISA 1132 778899

NATIONWIDE 1793 456789

ROYAL BANK OF SCOTLAND 1702 351303 or 1702 349 343

SENTINEL 1705 652222

LLOYDS TSB 1702 364272

ULSTER BANK 1232 898526

WOOLWICH 1813 014949

YORKSHIRE BANK 1132 424800

SPANISH BANKS.

All prefixed by 0034 if not in Spain

ALL SPANISH VISA CARDS 915 196 000 or 915 192 100

BANCO POPULAR 902 365 050.

BANCO SANTANDER 914 022 600 or 917 260 000

BANCO VALENCIA 913 626 200

BBVA 902 224 466

CAJA MURCIA 902 240 712

CAM 901 255 525
DEUTSCHE BANK 935 818 114 or 915 192 100

LACAIXA 902 200 202

SOLBANK 913 626 200 or 902 114 400

SOLRED 902 136 137

SANTANDER CENTRAL HISPANO 902 242 424

It is a good idea to add your Emergency number for cancelling cards to the address book on your mobile phone.

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



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