NHW in Spain

CAMPOVERDE NHW AGM At the NHW AGM held on 24th March the committee were unanimously re-elected to serve for another year. HOME SECURITY Burglaries of houses within the Pilar area have greatly increased over the past few months but not here in Campoverde, this is very much due to the vigilance of the residents together with NHW. By taking the following simple precautions we can ensure that we keep the thieves out of our properties. 1. Alarms. Fit an alarm and ALWAYS set it when leaving your property unattended. If you can zone your alarm arrange it so you can alarm the unused parts of your property when retiring for the night. 2. Gates. Keep your gates shut and locked at all times and when outside lock any doors not in full view. Do not go into the house and leave valuables outside on a table or loungers beside the pool. 3. Lighting. Use timers on table lamps so that they switch on at dusk and off late at night. When away from your home leave a hall or passage light on so that it shines through a window. 4. Windows. By all means sleep with your window open but make sure that items such as handbags or keys cannot be ’fished’ this also applies to any windows not fitted with security locks. 5. Patio Doors. Patio doors are an easy access point for thieves so fit them with a security bolt that prevents them being slid open. 6. Handbags and Wallets. Ladies! Think twice before going out with your handbag, and Gentlemen make sure you keep your wallet in a secure pocket. Only carry sufficient cash that you will need for the day, but above all remember – IF YOU DO NOT NEED IT, DO NOT TAKE IT WITH YOU.

BOGUS POLICE ON MOTORWAYS Recently whilst driving around Madrid on the motorway two men in an unmarked car waving an identity card stopped a British family in a British plated car. When they were approached, they saw that the “Police agents” were in civilian clothes, fortunately the driver of the car realized what was happening and when he showed this the “Police” drove off. Remember that Spanish Police do not use unmarked cars to stop people, except unmarked traffic cars which usually pull in front of the vehicle to be stopped with illuminated signs showing that they are Police. They will also be in Police uniform. If you experience such an occurrence do not stop unless forced to do so. Then pull in some distance behind the “Police” vehicle and when the “agents” have vacated their car, leave the scene as quickly as possible. If possible, obtain the number of the “Police” car and immediately call the 112 service to report the incident. BANK AND LOTTERY SCAMS Yes, I know we have warned about this several times but according to the UK police these scams make £70 million (€100 million) a year. Anyone using the Internet is likely to receive very authentic looking emails from several banks stating that the bank security system is being updated and asking for personal details. The Lottery scam works in a similar way. You are informed by email or letter that you have won sum of money and your bank details are requested so that the money can be paid into your account, sometimes 2 or 3 emails/letters are sent before your bank details are requested. NEVER EVER pass bank or credit card details to a third party unless you have initiated the transaction yourself. TRAFFIC FINES With the loss of much of their income from the construction industry many Councils have ordered their Policia Local to increase the amount of money that is collected via traffic fines. This means that the Policia are clamping down on motorists who use mobile phones whilst on the move, are not wearing seat belts, park illegally etc. Many of the fines can be very heavy, one resident was fined €500 for not wearing his seat belt, then another €1,500 for having no insurance – you have been warned.

REPORT ON POLICIA LOCAL ACTIVITY IN 2011 GIVEN BY CHIEF OF POLICE 28th December 2011 Population of Pilar Administration Area as Registered on the Padron: Pilar Town 14,784 (61%); Coast (El Mojon to Mil Palmeras) 5,017 (21%); Campoverde 4,366 (18%) Robberies reported to Policia Local: Pilar Town 38%; Coast 46%; Campoverde 16% Total Actions by Police in Campoverde 2009-2011: 2009 – 692; 2010 – 960; 2011 – 1,303; a 26% increase on 2010 Origination of Police Actions (Total 1,303) Initiated by Police (including patrols) 1,024 78.5% Local Telephone Calls 194 15% 112 Telephone Calls 85 6.5% Break Down of Actions (Total 1,303) 1. Security – 833 consisting of: Patrols 613; Suspicious Persons & Vehicles 133; Observation 36; Attending Alarms 29; Public Order 22. 2. Traffic – 140 consisting of: Traffic control (including parking) 111; Accidents 29. 3. Admin – 310 relating to: Noise 49; Animals 55; Court Judgements 60; Various Others 166. Arrests – 16 Related to: Drugs 5; Robberies 4; Violence 4; Drunkenness 2 ; Passing False €50 notes 1. The Police Chief is concerned about the low number of telephone calls made by residents in Campoverde. He stressed that 112 operators speak Spanish, English and German and that ALL emergencies should be reported to 112 before the Policia Local. He also emphasised that the Police want residents to report anything they believe is suspicious, they are not concerned that the call may be a false alarm. The Police Chief also stated that the Police presence in the Ayuntamiento in Plaza Florida would be increased and will now run from 0800 hrs to 2200 hrs.