This advice was originally received via Carl Barclay at Casa Segura Locksmiths, from Orihuela Costa but relevant to all.
Summer has once again arrived on the coast and the many visitors to our communities and urbanisations, that come here each year, are now arriving. Please take every opportunity to advise both the residents and visitors in your area to be aware of the situations highlighted below and help prevent them from being this summer’s victims.
Not every visitor is here for the sun, sand and sea, or to relax. It should be remembered that this is a tourist area, and in addition to visitors, thieves looking for easy pickings, also arrive, but for very different reasons.
DO NOT LET CRIMINALS RUIN THE HOLIDAY SEASON
AT THE AIRPORT
Look after your luggage. Do not leave your handbags or wallets on the trolley and never get into conversation with people you’ve not met before and do not know. If you have hired a car, look out for the “representative” asking you to leave everything in the car and return to the desk. On the way to your destination be aware of being followed. If you are flagged down by anyone in civilian clothes or in an unmarked car, showing you a badge, DO NOT STOP, or PULL OVER. The Police in Spain do not use plain cars, except for the Guardia Civil Trafico, who will light up a STOP sign in the car and are ALWAYS in their green uniform.
IN YOUR HOLIDAY DESTINATION
When you relax on the patio or in the pool, always ensure the doors and windows are closed. At night, close shutters on vulnerable windows. Never leave anything on show from outside.
VISITING THE BEACH
If you drive to the beach, do not leave anything on show in the car and never leave keys or papers showing your address. Never take anything to the beach which you will not need and never leave bags etc unattended, whilst you are in the sea. Even if a “friendly” stranger offers to “keep an eye” on them, for you.
VISITING SHOPS AND MARKETS
Once again, only take what you will need. Do not leave belongings in your car and in shops, beware of distraction thefts – people asking you to reach high shelves, or causing a commotion by bumping into to you. On leaving, be aware of anyone asking for advice or directions whilst you are loading the car, especially if they are carrying maps or papers.
VISITING RESTAURANTS AND BARS
Again, only take with you what you will need, including handbags. Never show open wallets or purses, with lots of money in them. Thieves use bars to spot vulnerable people who they can then attack on their way home.
We hope that everyone enjoys a safe and wonderful holiday in our area and comes back time and again. By following this advice, hopefully your holiday will not be spoiled.
IF THE POLICE, AMBULANCE OR FIRE SERVICE ARE REQUIRED, DIAL 112 YOU CAN SPEAK IN SPANISH, ENGLISH, GERMAN OR SCANDINAVIAN. IF YOU USE A FOREIGN MOBILE, YOUR CALL WILL BE AUTOMATICALLY TRANSFERRED TO THE RELEVANT CONTROL CENTRE.
For a 24 hour Emergency Locksmith Service call Carl on 659 853 645
