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.

UV PROPERTY MARKING INITIATIVE In 2009 The Neighbourhood Watch in Spain Association, with the full support of the Guardia Civil and Policia Local, has launched a 'Property Marking Scheme' using UV pens. The pens are used to mark any item of value, when dry the marking is invisible unless put under a UV Lamp.. Guardia Civil and Policia Local units have been issued with UV lamps so that they can scan any stolen property that may be recovered. Property should be marked with the householder’s DNI/NIE number. Householders should make a list of all the property marked with the make and serial number, value and, where relevant, the colour and also where the item is UV marked. To obtain the return of stolen goods you must have filed a ‘denuncia’ with Guardia Civil in Torre de la Horadada when the crime took place. Police will not return any item unless a proper police report, a Denuncia, had previously been filled out. It is a good idea to photograph your valuables and keep the photos in a safe place along with the receipts for these items, the photos may be kept on a digital camera memory card or downloaded onto a memory stick. Should you ever have the misfortune to be robbed, you have a better chance of getting your items back should the police recover them. Pens and forms to list your marked items are available from any NHW Coordinator or from Lead Coordinator Ray Marsh on: 966763258.

REPORTING A CRIME: If you see a crime being committed or are a victim of a crime then you MUST report it to the Guardia Civil, who are the only law enforcement agency with the powers to investigate crime. IMMEDIATELY CALL 112, this is very similar to the 999 call in the UK, the operators of the 112 system speak several languages and will pass on your information to the nearest Guardia office, in the Campoverde/Pilar area this is in Torre de la Horadada. After your 112 call then call the Pilar de la Horadada Policia Local, the staion number is: 965 352 334, and the Campoverde Policia Local Mobile number is 696 962 343. You may be required to make a "Denuncia", this is simply a Police Report of the incident, a aide-memoir is available from the NHW Home Page in three languages, Spanish, English and German, simply click on Reporting Crime. For minor incidents report them directly to the Policia Local. Note; the Policia Local will not divulge your details to anyone else, but if you are at all worried contact your local NHW Coordinator or Lead Coordinator Ray Marsh on 966 763 258. UNDER "REPORTING CRIME" on the NHW HOME PAGE you will find other forms to help you report a crime besides the Aide-Memoire for the DENUNCIA or Crime Report.

IDENTITY THEFT There have been many stories of identity theft both nationally and locally. There are many ways thieves can obtain details of your bank account, credit card details and other personal information in order to withdraw money from your account or make purchases against your credit/bank cards. The two most common methods used to obtain these details are through the Internet or from mail thrown away. To counteract these thieves never reply to any requests for bank or credit card details over the Internet unless you have initiated the transaction and secondly shred all mail before disposing in the waste bin. Both methods have been used frequently here on the Costa Blanca with fake, but credible requests from various banks asking the recipient to confirm their bank details and people have been seen going through waste bins and taking away bags of rubbish. Always remember that NO bank will ask for details of your account, don’t be taken in by this scam, the fake requests are very professional and appear to be on genuine headed web pages. If in doubt telephone your bank, its better to spend a couple of euros than chance loosing hundreds or thousands.

BY USING AN UNLICENSED TAXI YOU MAY BE ENDANGERING YOURSELF AND YOUR FAMILY ? Unlicensed taxis ARE NOT insured to carry fare-paying passengers. ? If you are injured in an accident you would have no recourse to the driver’s insurance no matter how severe your injuries. ? The Guardia Civil and Policia Local are mounting a campaign against these taxies, especially at airports. ? If you are stopped, not only will they fine the driver and possibly confiscate his car, they can impose fines on the passengers. ? With the ensuing delay you could miss your flight. ? Licensed taxi drivers pay over €30,000 for their licence and their cars have an ITV test every six months from new. BE SAFE, BE SURE, ONLY USE LICENSED TAXIS

THE FISHERMAN We appear to have a fisherman in Campoverde, unfortunately he is not interested in fish but in your valuables. His method is to use a fishing rod through an open window to steal items such as handbags, house or car keys or items of clothing such as shorts or trousers that may contain keys or wallets which then may give him access to your home and car. Never leave these items on view anywhere and remember windows can easily be forced open. REJA DOOR LOCKS Most locks on reja doors can easily be broken off with a pair of pliers. If your lock does not have a protective surround to prevent the protruding lock being gripped by a pair of pliers then please consider fitting one. These metal covers can be spot welded in place or fitted using two self tapping screws whose heads are then smoothed over. The covers can be purchased from any security grill manufacturer for around €1.50 a pair. PATIO DOORS. Patio doors can easily be lifted off their catch with a strong screwdriver and opened. A patio door lock costs around €7 and is easily fitted. A lock is essentially a bolt that is pushed through both doors and so preventing them being opened.

FIRE KILLS: We live in a very high risk fire area and in the summer and autumn the green areas are tinder dry and present a very high incendiary risk. Fires in pine trees can spread at an alarming rate very quickly endangering both life and property and they are very difficult to extinguish. The four commonest causes of fire in the open are: 1. A carelessly thrown cigarette or match. 2. Broken glass acting as a magnifying glass. 3. Youngsters playing with matches etc. 4. B.B.Qs. Fire prevention action is simple: 1 DO NOT discard cigarettes or matches without first ensuring they are completely extinguished. 2 ALWAYS take bottles, whole or broken, home with you. 3 EDUCATE youngsters about the very serious dangers involved with cigarettes, matches and lighters. 4 BE VERY CAREFUL when using a B.B.Q. NOTE B.B.Qs are only allowed on private property or in specific, designated areas in the countryside. 5 Householders who have wooded gardens should CLEAR AWAY the dead undergrowth and PRUNE off the lower branches of trees, especially pine trees. 6 NEVER attempt to burn garden rubbish. Please Note that anyone found guilty of starting a fire, deliberately or otherwise may find themselves saddled with a very large bill to pay for the fire fighting costs and this often involved the very costly use of helicopters or aircraft to carry water to the fire.

HOW TO AVOID DECEPTION THEFTS, HANDBAG SNATCHES AND PICKPOCKETS . Please try to take the following precautions. 1. Do not take your Passports with you, have them photocopied, reduced and sealed in plastic at a Papaleria for about € 2 or get a Notarised copy made for around €5. 2. If you are not intending to use your bank or credit cards leave them at home. 3. Do not label your keys so that if they are lost or stolen they cannot be traced back to your house. 4. Always carry your handbag to the front and ensure it is always closed. 5. Keep your wallet or purse in a secure pocket, preferably to the front and if possible zipped closed. 6. When paying your bill do not show the amount of money in your purse, wallet or pocket. 7. If you believe you are being watched when using a cash point cancel the transaction and use another machine. 8. Be aware of the deception thieves, if approached by a stranger when on foot or in your car do not respond to them, walk or drive away or lock the car doors and sound your horn. 9. When parking your car do not leave items of value on display and do not openly put them in your boot and ladies do not travel with your handbag on the front seat and do not put your handbag in the front of the car whilst loading shopping into the boot. 10. When using local markets, supermarkets or shopping malls be extra vigilant as this is where most pickpockets and deception thieves operate from. 11. Should you see or be involved in an incident inform Policia Local or telephone 112 immediately. Finally always remember: IF YOU DO NOT NEED IT – DO NOT TAKE IT WITH YOU