Taking care

The sun is now out again following the high winds that spread across the southern Costa Blanca coast. We on phases 1 and 2 suffered very little damage unlike a lot of other Urbanisations.
It is however, a good time to remind all owners of upstairs apartments to either bring their patio furniture and storage boxes in or make sure that they are very secure as it could injure someone very badly if it is blown of the solarium or terrace.
Also, we are having complaints from owners who cannot access either their gates or car parks because of other owners or guests who are parking in the internal walkways!
Many have to carry heavy suitcases from the road or leave babies unattended while they bring in the luggage etc., Please could everyone co-operate with this or you may find yourself blocked in one day.

Torrevieja
Oficina de Atención al Residente Internacional
Oficina de Atención al Residente InternacionalSituation: Calle Caballero de Rodas, 27 (next to the town hall and main church) - 03181 Torrevieja (Alicante). +34 965 706 159 +34 966 703 357e-mail: torreviejacentro@touristinfo.net websites: www.webtorrevieja.com
www.comunitatvalenciana.com
Opening hours: Monday to Friday 8.00 a.m. to 8.30 p.m. / Saturdays 9.00 a.m. to 2.00 p.m. (except public holidays).


IF YOU FIND YOURSELF IN THE POSITION OF BEING IN A SPANISH COURT EITHER ON A CHARGE, AS A WITNESS, OR TO FILE A COMPLAINT, THE VALENCIA JUSTICE MINISTRY WILL NOW PROVIDE YOU WITH AN OFFICIAL TRANSLATOR FREE OF CHARGE. TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS YOU MUST EITHER TELEPHONE, OR, GO TO THE COURT THAT YOU HAVE BEEN ASSIGNED TO AND TELL THEM THAT YOU NEED A ENGLISH TRANSLATOR TO ASSIST YOU.
THE KNOCK ON THE DOOR
There have been many scare stories about householders being burgled or ripped off by bogus callers (also often called distraction burglary). Some people are now afraid to even open their door to anyone. The good news is that the vast majority of callers will be genuine people from reputable companies. The bad news is that each victim of a bogus caller is one too many and that the most likely victims are those who are most vulnerable.
WHAT IS A BOGUS CALLER ?
Many burglars will not go to the trouble of breaking in if they don´t have to.Bogus callers at your door will pretend to be any one of a number of authentic callers They may claim to be officials from the Town Hall, service companies or other organizations. They may also pretend to be genuine dealers or salespeople. They may impersonate workmen and say that they need to come in and check something or to make urgent repairs. Even women and young children may be used to gain your trust and entry to your home. These types of bogus callers all want to steal from you, trick you, or overcharge you for work they do (in a recent case one neighbour had her purse stolen after she had given the caller €10 for charity. It is therefore, very important to make sure any callers to your home are genuine.
Think before you open your door. Are you expecting anyone ? Do they have an appointment ? (The reputable Companies always make an appointment). If you can, look/talk to them through your door or window. Leave your grill locked and talk to the caller through the locked grill. Use a door viewer if you have one to see the caller – ask the caller for proof of identity. Check it carefully, but keep the door locked. If the caller doesn´t have an appointment tell them to wait outside while you ring their office to confirm their identity. Use the number from the phone book and not the number on any ID card provided by the caller. Remember – genuine callers will not mind if you check. If the caller is legitimate, you can always ask them to return later in the day when you can have a friend or family member with you. If you have any suspicions at all – do not let the caller into your home. If you think you may be at risk then call the police on 112 or 696 465 481.
PROTECT THOSE MOST AT RISK unfortunately those at greatest risk from the bogus caller are the most vulnerable in our community such as the very elderly, women and those who live or holiday on their own.. That is what makes bogus caller crime such a despicable offence. You can help prevent bogus callers from operating in your area by looking out for potential victims and protecting them. If you have vulnerable, elderly neighbours, particularly those who live on their own, go round and talk to them. Make sure that they have a door chain fitted and that they check the ID of any callers they do not know. Also let them know that they can ask for your help if they are in any doubt and keep an eye out yourself for strangers knocking at their door.If we looked out for our neighbours in this way we could greatly reduce the number of people who become victims of this very distressing offence.
HELP FOR CRIME VICTIMS
An office dedicated to helping the victims of crime has been officially opened in Torrevieja by Regional Justice Councillor, Miguel Peralta. The facility offers legal advice and practical help to people who have suffered at the hands of criminals. During the first six months, staff at the Oficina de Atención a las Victimas del Delito (OAVD) helped 919 residents – with 351 of the complainants documented as new victims of crime. OAVD workers reported that a total of 64 per cent of the victims were women.
PADRON
Have you registered on the PADRON ? The financial resources allocated to Villamartin area are in direct proportion to the number of people registered as living on the urbanizations (ie on the PADRON). To date there are very few owners of properties of Sol Golf phases 1 & 2 on the PADRON (which means that about 99% of our community are not (for whatever the reason !) To put it another way – for every 100 people living on Sol Golf phases 1 & 2 , we are only getting financial resources for one ! The PADRON is simply a register of people living in an area – it has no tax implications - either in Spain or the UK. Street lights, sewage, road markings, rubbish bins and garden waste collection, police, ambulance etc etc all have a cost implication. To meet that cost (and to improve the quality of our services) we need everybody to register. If you have not, it will only take a minute or two at the Playa FlamencaTown Hall POSITIVE HELP TO IMPROVE OUR COMMUNITY.

PERSONAL SAFETY: This is information about crime and what you can do to prevent it. It is the job of the Police to fight crime, but we can help to bring crime down. Most crimes are against property, not people, and not many crimes are carefully planned. Most are committed by young men on the spur of the moment when they see the chance: possessions left in cars or a door or window to a house left open. But you can try to reduce the risk by securing your car and home. This will also help the Police, by giving them more time to tackle serious crime. That is good for you and your family, because it makes your neighbourhood a safer place to live.
The chances that you or a member of your family will be a victim of violent crime are low. Nevertheless, many people are frightened that someone close to them may be the victim of an attack, and the best way to reduce the risk of attack is by taking sensible precautions. Make sure that your apartment is secure. Always secure outside doors. If you have to use a key, keep it nearby, you may need to get out quickly in the event of fire. Don’t give keys to workmen or tradesmen, as they can easily make copies. Make sure that your keyholder is registered, an unregistered keyholder may not only invalidate any insurance claim they could also empty your apartment or let it in your absence. A telephone extension in your bedroom helps you to feel more secure because you can phone the Police when needed. Never reveal information about yourself to unknown people and never say you are alone. Equally, keep all keys out of sight at all times. Thieves may steal them and then return to finish their crime at a later date. If you think you may have mislaid your keys, get them replaced immediately.
Use only your surname and initials in the phone directory, on the doorplate, and, if you have one, beside an entry system button. If you see signs of a break in at your home, don’t go in alone, phone the Police. If you are selling your home, don’t show people around on your own. Please use professional accredited estate agents. When you answer the phone say only hello, don’t give your number. If you receive an abusive or threatening phone call, put the receiver down beside the phone, don’t say anything and walk away. This allows the caller to say what he wants. Come back later to replace the receiver. This may help the Police trace the caller. Always keep the emergency services’ telephone numbers close to your phone. In a panic situation you might forget the correct number. If in doubt call 112, or press the red button on your telephone, if fitted.
OUT AND ABOUT:
Carry your bag close to you with the clasp facing inwards. Carry your house and car keys in your pockets. If someone grabs your bag, let it go. If you hang on, you could get hurt. Your safety is more important than your property. If you walk home in the dark, get a personal attack alarm. Carry it in your hand so you can use it immediately to scare off an attacker. If you go running, jogging or cycling regularly, try to vary your route and time. Stick to well lit roads with pavements; avoid short cuts or dark alleys; walk facing the traffic; if a car stops and you are afraid scream and shout; get away as quickly as you can; don’t hitch-hike or take lifts from strangers.
If you think you are being followed and you have double-checked by crossing the street, try to go to the nearest place where there are other people. Don’t go to a phone box, as the attacker could trap you there.
PARKING PLACES, TAXIS AND PUBLIC TRANSPORT If you are going to be out late, try to arrange a lift home or book a taxi; check that the taxi collecting you is the one you ordered; get the name of the taxi company and sit behind the driver. When you arrive home ask the driver to wait until you are inside your house. On Public Transport try to stay away from isolated bus stops, especially after dark; sit near to the driver. On a train, sit in a compartment where there are several people. If you drive a car, think about getting a car phone; make sure that your car is in good condition; keep doors locked when driving, and keep any bag, car phone or valuables out of sight. If you think you are being followed, try to alert others by flashing your lights and sounding your horn. Make as much
noise as possible. If you can, keep driving, until you come to a busy place, a police, fire or ambulance station or a bar. Make sure you have enough money and petrol. Always carry a spare petrol can, warning triangles, a reflective jacket and a torch. After dark, park in a well lit area. Look around before you get out. Have your key ready when you go back to your car. Make sure there is no-one in the car. Never cross the carriageway to use a phone. Look around. If someone approaches you, lock yourself in the car and speak to them through a small gap in the window, try to move your car and get away.
PERSONAL POSSESSIONS: A thief only needs a moment to make off with your valuables. Your coat hung up in a restaurant, your briefcase beside your chair; even your cheque book and cheque card left on the table while you pay the bill. Don’t look away; try to be careful at all times. Money, plastic cards - please don’t make it easy for the pick-pocket. Keep your purse and wallets safe at all times. Keep your cheque card separate from your cheque book - a thief needs both to write a cheque. Never let your handbag out of your sight. Watch your mobile phone and your passport. Computer equipment is an increasingly popular target for thieves. Mark your property. If you have a lap top computer, keep it out of sight.
HARASSMENT. DOMESTIC VIOLENCE. ASSAULT: Everyone can help protect their community, family and their home by taking the simple crime prevention measures described on this webpage, but some crimes fall into a different category. Racial harassment, domestic violence, assault at home, at work, in the Community, on the street - the Police and Neighbourhood Watch can help you. Help us to help you!
ALCOHOL AND DRUGS: Most people are aware that drinking to excess can damage their health. Drinking and driving are the main cause of accidents on the road and off the road. Young people, like adults, need to know how to drink safely.
Set a good example by drinking sensibly yourself. Children pick up their early knowledge of alcohol by watching adults and are strongly influenced by what they see.
ABSENCE FROM HOME: Most burglaries happen when a house or flat is empty. Don’t advertise your absence when you are on holiday or even out at work or shopping. Mark your valuable possessions with your postcode or other identification.
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. ALWAYS KEEP YOUR GATES LOCKED, many robberies are committed when the owners or holidaymakers are actually in the house and the thieves can gain easy access.
GET AN ALARM FITTED. 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. Have good doors and windows with double locks; good gates and fences; 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.



DENUNCIA: The Local Police and Guardia Civil recommend that you make a denuncia. Please don’t be afraid to denounce. If you have been robbed or assaulted you should go and report it personally to the Guardia Civil atPilar de la Horridada. You may need to take an interpreter with you. If you are assaulted or robbed on the La Zena beach you must report it to the Guardia Civil . In either case, take a passport or residence papers with you. You can make a 'Denuncia' in English.

Making a Denuncia in English
(1) Dial 902-102-112 and have your NIE or passport number to handand your full address.
(2) When answered ask to speak in English.
(3) You might have to wait for a few moments, be patient.
(4) Make your 'Denuncia' to the English speaking person who answers you. Speak slowly and clearly, I would suggest having what you want to say written down. When you have supplied all the information necessary you will be given a reference number that you will take with you to your nearest police station within 48 hours.
(5) This 'Denuncia' will then be forwarded by fax to the police station nearest to your address. It would be a good idea for you to know which is the nearest police station in order to avoid confusion. Remember, you must go there within 48 hours to sign it.
Some Helpful Notes: In the case of you making a claim against your insurance you must make a 'Denuncia' as you will need a copy of it for your insurance company. If a 'Denuncia' is issued against you you will need to go to the police and give a statement, in which case you would probably counter 'Denuncia' the person who has denounced you, just to muddy the waters!
If you are making an insurance claim the list of items stolen, with approximate values (and receipts if you have them), will also be needed by your insurance company.



HOJA DE RECLAMACION: This is a complaints form that is issued by the Generalitat Valenciana. You can use this form to complain about any purchase in Spain or any service. By law, every business MUST keep copies of it and they must provide one if asked for by a customer. The Generalitat Valenciana will respond to every complaint received on this form.

You may wish to copy & paste the information stated below onto a document to retain close to your telephone for future reference.

USEFUL PHRASES IN AN EMERGENCY:
I live at... Yo vivo en...
I want to report a burglary... Quiero denunciar un robo...
My car has been stolen... Me han obado mi coche...
The make and model is... La marca y el modelo es...
The registration is... La matricula es...
I need an ambulance... Necesito una ambulancia...
I need a doctor... Necesito un medico...
I have been robbed... Me han robado...
I want to report a fire... Quiero informar sobre un incendio...
The fire is at... El incendio esta en...
There is a flood... Quiero informar sobre una inundacion...

USEFUL PHRASES WHEN DEALING WITH THE POLICE:
Mi nombre es
My name is
Mi domicilio (Yo vivo)
I live in
Está cerca de
It's close to
Tengo un problema
I have a problem
Me han robado en casa
They have burgled my house
Me han robado en la calle
They have mugged me in the street
Cartera, Joyas, Documentos
Wallet, Jewellery, Documents
Tarjetas de Crédito, Llaves
Credit Card, Keys
Tengo intrusos en mi casa
I have intruders in my house
Amenazando a la gente
Threatening people
Rompiendo, Dañando
Breaking, Damaging
Pantalones
Trousers
Camisa
Shirt
Fuerte Constitución
Well built
Coche robado; Abandonado
Stolen car, abandoned
Dañando propiedad
Damaging property
Mucho Ruido, Música Alta
A lot of noise, loud music
Robando en una casa
Burgling a house
Coche sospechoso
Suspicious car
Gente sospechosa
Suspicious people
Persona sospechosa
Suspicious person
Pelea en la calle
Street fight
Violencia doméstica
Domestic violence
Drogas
Drugs
Amarillo
Yellow
Verde
Green
Rojo
Red
Azul
Blue
Negro
Black
Blanco
White
Gris
Grey
Plateado
Silver(ish)

Hopefully you will never need any of the above but for those who find themselves with a problem we hope that this has proved useful and informative