PROTECT YOURSELF FROM THE INCREASE IN THEFT FROM VEHICLES AS THE CHRISTMAS PERIOD APPROACHES

In a recent article, I had advised about the ever increasing thefts from rental cars. This was specifically targeted at holidaymakers and second homeowners.

One cannot forget the hundreds of thousands of residents who, having made their home here, may feel less vulnerable in their Spanish plated vehicles. We must also make an effort to be extra vigilant, whilst going about our daily business.

Just as we can have become quite proficient at noticing the differences, between a local and a member of the expatriate community, so have the thieves. The old myth that northern Europeans are in the main wealthier, motivate these criminals to pick on us. 

Supermarket car parks are prime targets. Most do not have security cameras.

Some useful do’s and don’ts: 

1.    Remove all belongings from the interior of the car. This includes coats and jackets as they obviously have pockets.

2.    Empty bags and other articles, may be worthless to you, but could result in a broken window or lock.

3.    Do not presume your boot is safe. Most vehicles are hatchbacks with easy access to the boot via the back seats.

4.    Never, leave in your vehicle anything that YO, may consider worthless. Empty bags, camera or mobile phone cases are examples.

5.     Never lock your car and then put valuables in the boot whilst out. Do this at home and NEVER, in a car park. Thieves are particularly on the lookout for this sort of action. That briefcase may only obtain a few papers but offenders do not know that.

6.    It may be a bore, but, do not return to your vehicle to offload some of your purchases such as Christmas presents and then return to continue shopping.

7.    Ladies. Never leave your bag on the car seats until you are safely in the vehicle with doors looked until you move off (It is not wise do drive with locked doors in case of an accident. Someone may need access to you if you were incapacitated)

8.    Each time you open the car boot, you are exposing whatever you have in the inside. Leave anything you do not need for road safety at home.

9.    Take your belongings off trolleys whilst packing up your purchases.

10.  Do not be distracted by anyone for any reason. This may mean turning down an offer of help from someone.

11.  If you are feeling secure because you do not own a hatchback. Remember, it only takes seconds to pick the lock from a saloon car.