Crime in Spain

CAR

Over a quarter of all recorded crimes are car thefts or thefts from cars. It is a problem that affects us all no matter where we live. It takes up valuable Police time and can have serious and sometimes fatal consequences. Keep your car safe, make sure that all doors and windows are locked; don’t leave belongings in your car, nothing must be on display; remove the ignition keys; always try to park in a well-lit location. Look around at all times.

HOUSE AND GARDEN

A lot of burglaries can be prevented. Most are committed by opportunist thieves and in two burglaries out of ten the thief does not have to force his way in because a door or window has been left open. Burglars like easy opportunities. They don’t like locked windows because breaking glass attracts attention; they don’t like security deadlocks on doors because they cannot open them even from the inside and they have to get out through a window. So have good doors and windows with double locks; good gates and fences; secure your garage; get an alarm. By putting some chairs, shoes, towels on the terrace it makes it look as if somebody is in the house.

Bicycles and Motorcycles are a popular target with the thieves because they can be easily sold. They should be locked whenever you leave them, even if you are just going into a shop. Mark their frames. Make sure that your garden shed is always locked and that your garden tools are well stored and secured.

PROTECTING YOUR COMPUTER

Computer equipment is an increasingly popular target for thieves. Mark your property. If you have a portable computer, keep it out of sight.

NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH

Information from the secretary on 96 571 6258. Costa Blanca Neighbourhood Watch is a voluntary organisation seeking no profit, without any Political/ Religious inclinations, independent from any other Association or Group, but with communication channels with the local Police, Guardia Civil and the Town Hall, reporting suspicious situations of people or groups, vandalism or any other strange or suspicious acts that could threaten the well being and safety of the Residents.

The Neighbourhood Watch is a method of developing close liaison between households in a neighbourhood, the Police, Guardia Civil and the local Authority. The main aim is to help people protect themselves and their property, to reduce the fear of crime. We wish to develop improved home security, greater vigilance, to foster a community spirit and to help the old and vulnerable.