TO CATCH A THIEF?
Exite Radio were privileged to welcome José Angel Millan to the studios this week, in what is set to be the first of a monthly slot, where José will offer practical advice on both the police in Spain and crime prevention.
Jose Ángel Millán Rubio is a Lieutenant in the Guardia Civil in Spain and is the Puesto Principal, Commandant, of the Guardia Civil station Pilar de la Haoradada, so he is very clearly qualified to dispense advice on both subjects.
José spoke about future features where he will explain the legal system of Spain, detailing the roles of the National Police, the Guardia Civil and the Local Police, as well as how they all work together with help from organizations like the Neighourbood Watch. He also went on to explain that in other, future talks, he will tell us what´s happening both locally and nationally, and offer advice as to how we can help ourselves stay safe.
José then went on to explain that the three biggest reported crimes that affect people in our areas are crimes within a property, pick pocketing and bag theft, and theft from motor vehicles.
Most of these crimes are seen to be opportunistic and there is usually an increase in the summer months as more people visit the Costa Blanca whilst on holiday. It is less common for houses to be broken into in Spain, but it is frequently the complacency of visitors who leave doors and windows open, which thieves will be constantly looking out for.
Equally so, thefts from places like the beach, when people leave valuables on display as they are distracted, enjoying the sea, are a common occurrence, but simple steps of keeping valuables safe and not leaving them unattended in this way as very simple steps that we can all take.
The same applies to thefts from vehicles, when all too frequently we see bags and coats left on the seats, sometimes whilst the doors and windows are unlocked and the vehicle is unattended. Nobody deserves to be a victim of crime, but once more, keeping those items out of sight is a simple move that can help deter would be thieves.
The importance of reporting crime was also emphasized, no matter how small or insignificant you might think that it is. José explained that although the Guardia Civil issue fines when people are breaking the law, the principle role that they want to achieve is to help people.
There is a dedicated group of Guardia Civil who plan and manage the patrols of the streets. Without the data as to where crime may be happening, they will be ignorant of locations that might need extra patrols and risk not sending patrols to help ease the situation.
That is why it is important to report incidents. The Guardia Civil are so keen to assist that they hire a translator during the summer months, a feature which they hope they will be able to extend all year round.
Crime occurring at the time can be reported to the Guardia Civil by their dedicated telephone line on 062, but can also be reported at their offices. Even if you feel that your crime doesn´t warrant a full report, you can still pass the details to your local Neighbourhood Watch coordinator, who will be able to filter the information through to the Guardia Civil.
Once crime is recorded, then they will respond by providing more patrols where they are needed, but they have to have the information first.
By taking simple steps, we can all reduce crime, but by reporting what has happened, the authorities can act and help to flush the criminal gangs out of the area, away from temptation and together we can all make for a safer society.
