News from Orihuela Costa



Home



Please circulate this useful seasonal advice 

SHOPPING: When you go shopping take with you only what you need.  Be aware of pick pockets in stores, markets and car parks - keep wallets and purses secure and out of sight. 

DISTRACTIONS: Be aware of distraction thieves. They will distract you in the store, street, market and car park. The usual form is to  ask you if you have dropped a 20 euro note; while you are distracted  their accomplice will grab your bag.
In car parks the system is to place a leaflet on the drivers side window, blocking the view or they may indicate there is something wrong with your car (wheel). when you open the car door to remove the leaflet or check you car the accomplice will open the passenger side door and grab any handbags in view on the seat or held by a passenger.

ATM's:  At bank ATM's be aware of loiterers watching you withdraw money. If possible use an ATM located in the bank or foyer and be accompanied.

AIRPORTS: At Airports take particular care of your bags and luggage when loading / unloading the car or taxi. Bag snatchers operate very fast and effectively.
Be aware of cars following you from the airport to your home. You are most vulnerable when you  stop at your house to unload the car.  Visitors are most likely to be robbed on arrival when bags, passports, money and travel documents are unpacked and left unattended.
Do not stop on the motorway if you are constantly 'flashed' by a car behind - pull into a service area and call 112. 

RESTAURANTS:  When you leave a restaurant check to see that you are not being followed to your car or to your home.

AT HOME:
When you go out ensure all windows, doors and gates are secured .
Do not leave keys visible or in door locks at any time-day or night.
Do not leave bags, wallets, computers mobile phones on view at night.
Experience show that all of the above are easily 'fished' out by  the thieves once they have achieved a small access through a window.
Do not leave passports and driving licences in the car overnight.
Ensure cars are locked. 

The  crime rate here is low, here on the Orihuela Costa , as a result of most residents applying appropriate security practices, but thieves are always on the lookout for an easy target - please be vigilant and pass this information on to your neighbours and visitors - better safe than sorry!.     "


 



CRIME PREVENTION ADVICE

Local police

Subject:- Crime Prevention advice

As the good weather is hopefully arriving, please bear the below advice in mind.


1) When working or relaxing in the garden or on the patio always keep house  doors and windows closed and secure. It only takes a few seconds for a thief  to enter the house, steal what he can and depart without being noticed.


2) When retiring to bed at night, again make sure that all doors and windows are closed and locked. Doors should be double locked as it is easy for a thief  to open a partially locked door with a piece of plastic.


3) At all times, never leave keys, handbags, money, purses or valuables where they can be seen from a window. We will no doubt see the fishing rod man in   the area as the weather warms and people leave windows partially open.


4) When withdrawing money from bank cash points, try to use one inside the bank. Always make sure that no-one can see you putting in your PIN number

    and look out for minute cameras or false keyboards. If you have a problem inserting your card, withdraw it and do not use the machine. Avoid anyone

    offering help. If in doubt, do not use but inform  the Bank staff and/or the  Police immediately. Thieves have been known to watch cash points from cars parked in the area,

    pick their victim and pounce. If you see persons loitering in the vicinity of cash points do not use it.


5) When withdrawing money from within banks, do not leave the counter or desk before putting your money away safely, even if there is a queue waiting.

    Also avoid handling money near to glass doors and windows. This applied to shops and supermarkets as well.


6) In supermarkets or their car parks, beware of distraction thefts, reaching items from a high shelf for someone you do not know, a commotion arising

    near to you or someone asking the way on the car park. 


7) If you are visiting the bars at night in the Commercial or Bar areas, only take  with you what money you will need and keep it secure. When returning home,

    keep to a well lit area and try to be in the company of others.


8) If you are arriving or visiting airports be extra alert and never give hired car keys to persons you do not know even if they say that they are from the hire

    car company. Be aware of cars following you from airports and if in doubt drive straight to a Police station.


9)  When visiting the beaches do not leave property on view in the car and never leave car keys, house keys or Sat Nav systems. Always remove tell tale

    sucker marks from windscreen.

 

CRIME OCCURS HERE AS IT DOES IN OTHER AREAS AND COUNTRIES OF THE WORLD. HOWEVER, WE APPEAR NOT TO HAVE THE VOLUME OF CRIME EXPERIENCED ELSEWHERE. CRIME HERE IS MOSTLY OF AN OPPORTUNIST NATURE AND IF THE TEMPTATION IS NOT PRESENTED, THE THIEF WILL BE INCLINED TO MOVE ON.

 

IF YOU SEE ANYTHING SUSPICIOUS DON´T INTERFERE BUT CONTACT THE POLICE IMMEDIATELY BY THE LOCAL NUMBER OR 112 SYSTEM. THIS TYPE OF INFORMATION IS ASKED FOR BY THE POLICE SO DO NOT BE AFRAID OF CONTACTING THEM. IF IT IS POSSIBLE OBTAIN VEHICLE NUMBERS IF INVOLVED."KEEP ALERT AND KEEP SECURE."



Free Hit Counters