Crime Prevention
Security in the Home
Security in Public Places
Vehicle Security
Guardia Civil - Advice for tourists Notice received from our friend Eckart Moltrecht (This happened to a friend on his...although not in Benitachell) Heads up everyone! You walk across the car park, unlock your car and get inside. You start the engine put it into reverse. When you look into the rear view mirror to back out of your space, you notice a piece of paper stuck to the middle of the rear window. So, you stop and jump out of your car to remove that paper (or whatever it is) that is obstructing your view. When you reach the back of your car, that is when the carjackers appear out of nowhere, jump into your car and take off. They practically run you over as they speed off in your car. And guess what, ladies? I bet your purse is still in the car.
So now the carjacker has your car, your home address, your money, and your keys. Your home and your whole identity are now compromised! If you see a piece of paper stuck to your back window, lock
your doors and just drive away. Remove the paper later. And be thankful that you read this e-mail. I hope you will forward this to friends and family, especially to women. A purse contains all kinds of personal information and
identification documents, and you certainly do NOT want this to fall into the wrong hands. Please tell all your friends
Security In The Home
Do not allow strangers into your house.
Take care when hiring domestic services. Ask for references and observe their behavior during the first days of work.
Close the windows whenever you leave home, even if only going locally.
If you have ground floor windows, put bars on them.
Do not put your name or address on your keys, and pay attention when making duplicates.
Change the locks on the following circumstances:
-when moving to a new home (buying or renting)
-if your home has been reformed, and workers have had access to the keys
-if you lose the keys
Install a peephole that lets you see callers at your door.
Install a security gate, if possible.
Install a safety chain on the door, that allows its partial opening.
Let the police know if you see something strange in a neighbour's house.
Do not leave keys in hiding places.
Photograph and / or mark valuables in order to recognize them if stolen. Record the brand, manufacturer, model and serial number of goods.
Make sure the garage door is closed.
Finally, if you return home and find the door forced open, do not enter or disturb the crime scene. Notify the Police immediately.
Top of Page Security in Public Places
• Keep your purse or wallet safe in crowded areas (markets, shows, etc.).
• Watch your personal belongings, especially handbags, cameras, bags ...
• Take proper precautions to protect handbags, jewelry or similar items.
• Avoid displaying large sums of money or valuables.
As far as possible, try to avoid lonely or poorly lighted places.
Walk in the opposite direction to traffic, as far away as possible from the curb, keeping your purse or wallet away from the road side, to avoid snatches from vehicles.
Carry only the money you need and try not to display wallets etc. Distribute it between pockets. Avoid carrying money in the back pockets of trousers.
When you have to use the ATM, look around you at every opportunity. If you have doubts about anyone, do not use the ATM at that time, or go to another.
Pay particular attention when boarding or getting off public transport or in crowds and markets, fairs and festivals. If someone bumps into you, check your property.
When shopping, do not allow anyone to distract you. Observe carefully people close to you and keep handbags etc. with you at all times
If you are being pursued by a car, sound the horn constantly to attract attention and go to a police station or a crowded place.
If attacked, shout and call for help, you can intimidate the attacker and attract the attention of other people.
If victim of crime, note the essential characteristics of the assailant (age, height, hair color, facial features, nationality, accent when speaking, clothing, direction of flight, vehicle, etc.).
The more accurate your information, the greater the chance of locating the offender and recovering your property.
If there are several attackers, try to focus on the one closest, or the most prominence. This may lead the police to the rest of the group.
Top of Page Vehicle Security
Try to park in a secure parking place or, if not possible, in streets with good lighting and heavy traffic. If you park in the street make sure there are no suspicious people in the vicinity at the time.
When leaving the car, ensure that the steering wheel lock is operating and the ignition key removed. Check that all windows, doors and the boot are properly closed and locked.
Remove or cover radio cassettes etc.
Do not leave valuables in sight.
Do not leave things in the rear, on view to strangers.
If, on returning to the car, you find it open, stay where you are and call the police.
Fit safety devices in your vehicle (alarm, tracking system, imobiliser, etc.).
At night, if you stop your vehicle, do not stay in it for long periods, especially in dark places.
When entering your vehicle or removing it from a garage, check for suspects in the area.
Do not pick up strangers.
During the evenings and nights, when traffic flow is light, avoid dark areas, areas with little traffic or those considered at risk.
When traveling around towns, keep the doors locked.
It is advisable to have you registration number engraved on the windows and the windscreen.
If you are subject to a rear end collision, before leaving the vehicle, remove the ignition key, and always put on the handbrake.
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