SUMMER IS WITH US AND THE THEIVES ARE GETTING FAT                Together with nearly all the countries of the World, our part of Spain suffers with its fair share of criminal activity. However, it is probably no worse and in fact is a lot better than in other Western countries.          We are fortunate on the Orihuela Costa that we have in the Policia Local, Guardia Civil and Policia Judicial very professional security forces. We in the Vecinos Colaborando together with these forces and with the co-operation of the Ayuntamiento (Town Hall) feel that a lot is being done to prevent and reduce crime in our area.           It is, however, important to highlight the types of Crime we are experiencing here on the Coast. This is not intended to frighten anyone but to put as many people as possible on their guard so that it may be made more difficult for the criminal to strike. Remember, most crime in our area is of an opportunist nature. Do not invite the thief to steal. VEHICLE CRIME.           a) Visitors are quite often followed from the airports and whilst unloading luggage from the car, they are robbed of handbags, etc. Do not leave luggage unguarded.           b) When parking the car, do not leave anything on show. If the thief wants something you have left on view, no matter of what value, he will break into the vehicle to steal it.           c) When loading your car at the supermarket or shops, never become engaged in conversation with anyone you don’t know. No matter how well he or she is dressed they may distract you whilst property is being stolen. HOUSE CRIME.            a) Do not allow anyone into your house unless you know them even though they may claim to represent authority. If in doubt, call the Police.            b) When you are in the garden or on the patio, always secure windows and doors, even though you think that you are close enough to them. A common method employed by thieves is to use a long pole with a hook through the smallest gap to fish for keys on view.            c) Persons arriving should be particularly vigilant as many people have had intruders whilst away visiting supermarkets and restaurants on the day of arrival.            d) Never leave anything valuable that can be seen through windows even if you are present in the house and all doors and windows are secure. This especially applies at night when you have retired to bed. STREET CRIME             Handbag theft is unfortunately quite common in the commercial and leisure parts of our area.             We advise residents and visitors to carry with them only things that they need to carry. Again, the thief is looking for an easy target. It you provide one he will strike.             Beware of cars being driven slowly.             When visiting Banks, put away money, credit cards or bank books whilst still at the counter or desk even if there is a queue of people waiting to be served. Most Banks have large windows through which the criminal can see who has withdrawn money and who hasn’t.              When leaving supermarkets or shops always put away change whilst inside the building and out of view of persons waiting outside.              When obtaining money from cash machines, always be on your guard and never let anyone see your PIN number. If persons are loitering in the vicinity of machines do not use that machine but inform the Police. Never accept help or offer help unless you know the person involved.                            It you are unfortunate and have property stolen, always cancel your Bank cards even though they may not have been stolen. Thieves quite often carry hand scanners and are able to copy cards quickly.                We hope that you spend a happy and pleasant time in our area and by being aware of the types of crime that can occur here as well as anywhere else in the World, you will not have your visit spoiled. EMERGENCY TELEPHONE NUMBERS. All emergencies ( Spanish, English, German and Scandinavian spoken) ..112. Guardia Civil (Torre de la Horadada)………………………………..96 676 9143. Policia Local (Orihuela Costa)………………………………………  649 900 304. If you are renting your property or allowing friends or relatives to use it whilst you are away please print a copy of this notice and leave it in a prominent position for them to see. PLEASE NOTE IF YOU HAVE A CRIME TO REPORT YOU NEED TO GO TO THE GUARDIA REGIONAL HEADQUARTERS AT TORRE DE HORADADA WITH A TRANSLATOR.