This year, a non-political Citizens movement is being developed to hopefully have 2 representatives on the Orihuela Council, representing all of us living here on the coast.  

Note the Town Hall here is NOT where decisions are made it is an administration office, a satellite branch of the Government Town Hall in Orihuela 38 kilometres distant.

Today we have a guest speaker from Easy Gate Security, who will talk to you about changing our access system which in my opinion is great timing as yesterday I attended a meeting on your behalf in the OC Town Hall which was called by the Chief Lieutenant of the Guardia Civil Pilar de la Horadada.   

The meeting was called because Orihuela Costa is THE hot spot for crime in his patch, including violent crime.  This was the first meeting of its kind by the way.  

Crime has increased so much in our area the past few years we are a criminal’s paradise, that the Chief Lieutenant decided it was only right to liaise with the Counsellor for Tourism Sofia Alvarez to give a presentation to Presidents and local Associations of Orihuela Costa so we can inform you Owners and you inform your visitors. 

Mobile phones and Bikes, most are stolen from Orihuela Costa. 

Homes, Public and Vehicles.  

I am sure you are aware that more than 200,000 tourists/visitors come here for their holidays every year, but are not aware that organised gangs are watching our every move.   In banks, by ATM machines, Airports/ car parks, both beach during the day and airport car parks late at night.   Supermarkets, both inside and the car parks.  Restaurants and bars.  What are they after, mobile phones that we leave on the table or bar.   Hand bags, wallets, anything of value.  

According to the Chief, the gangs are usually Romanian and South American, a man in a car and two women, they target their victim,  pretend to offer help then rob you, they are trained experts remember.

The Chief explained deaf and dumb traders are part of these gangs, they put items on your table at restaurants, usually placing a leaflet over your mobile if left on the table, you would either be interested in buying or not, in the meantime, they steal your mobile and anything else of value.   

Only yesterday Maureen and Paul noticed a woman acting suspiciously next to my house, they watched her till she knew she was being watched but had no key, she waited for the gate to be opened.  They were doing their best by keeping a close eye on her as she certainly looked suspicious. 

Peter reported to me only a few weeks ago, he heard people outside his house in the early hours of the morning only a few days ago Henry had his bike stolen from the new bike rack which has to be moved to an area inside the community. This must be the 5 bike stolen. 

I am warning you NOT to leave any valuables out at night on your terraces, Not take more money than you need to when you go out to enjoy yourselves, be vigilant at all times.   Report any suspicious acts to the local Police call 112, they will respond, they really want catch these gangs, we want to live with peace of mind.  

The Chief advised strongly that we be vigilant, let our visitors know, to always double lock our front door, leave our keys inside the lock turned and lock the grills even if you are at home on your terrace but need to pop inside for a minute, lock your grill door.  

I asked The Chief if we can have a copy of the presentation which can be sent out to you all, he agreed, it will be translated into English and German.  

I want to say that it was not a shock to hear that crime has increased, we do become complacent, thinking we know it all, live our lives believing we are taking care and being vigilant, I know we always shut our grill door just to pop inside for a cuppa or whatever and lock it to peg out the washing upstairs, it is now a habit, do you?

In my opinion we need to discuss Security cameras on site and need a more secure access system. 

Thank you for coming and do remember to be vigilant at all times for your own safety.

Note that I related two incidents that occurred recently on our urbanisation, to highlight the seriousness of the need to be vigilant and careful at all times.  

I do think it would be advisable to contact the Chief Lieutentant direct for his opinion and support for your Press Release  the email address he gave is:   This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..   Tlf. 062.

Norah xxxxx