Crime on the Costa - David Reeve
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Neighbourhood Watch (NHW) is alive & well in Javea. About 70% of the urbanisations in Javea have some NHW representation, often running parallel with the Residents Association and there are many of the yellow signs displayed advising the would be burglars of the presence of the NHW and their cooperation with the Police to prevent crime. I'm sure that these provide a deterrent factor. www.nhwinspain.com
If you are intersted in joining the NHW scheme in Javea Email nhwjavea@gmail.com
I have been advised by the present head of the Guardia that recently the establishment figure in Javea has been increased from 35 to 60 officers and with the Local Police at about 100 officers Javea is well policed. I am sure that many road users will have noticed an increase in road block/checkpoint activity. This of course is a bit of a pain if you are not wearing a seat belt or your papers are not in order or indeed if you are just in a hurry. I believe this surge of activity to be primarily driven by a requirement to generate more income from the fines levied at transgressors of driving regulations however, this highly visible Police presence must also have a deterrent effect on the activities of criminals. Certainly vehicles would be used in most crimes in Urbanisations to carry away the proceeds.
The Guardia inform me also that instances of crime are higher in surrounding areas such as Moraira and Benissa than in Javea itself. The geographical location of Javea on a peninsular helps because it is easier to shut down exits from the Town and again the extra Police visibly on the streets and patrolling in cars has a deterrent effect.
Over the last month or so an email has been circulating about a team of Eastern Europeans operating road blocks and vehicle stops dressed in Guardia uniforms and with marked cars and then stealing from occupants at gun point. I am advised by those in charge of Neighbourhood Watch Spain that this e mail is false and scaremongering. Please do be aware however, that from time to time there are instances of bogus police trying to extort money from travellers so always be careful to check any ID etc and if in doubt phone 112. If they are genuine officers stopping you they can have no complaint about your action in checking their authenticity.
As the desk Sgt in Hill Street Blues used to say, Be careful out there.
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