Safety & Security in PP!!!

[alcanadakid]

In respect of crime figures in the UK and cases coming to court I tend to agree with the expression "lies, damn lies and statistics". Call me cynical but it is too easy for the government of the day (whichever party) to save money by "massaging" figures to achieve cost cutting and too easy for crime statistics to show what you want to show, i.e. "crime figures are falling, aren't we good". There was a study done fairly recently which alleged that some police forces were now not recording some crimes on their statistics which they had done in the past. Net result...........yes a drop in overall crime!!!
I totally agree with the comments concerning Eastern European nationals but with open borders, you send them home one day, they're back the next. As to offenders being or not being fined and released, reflect on very recent cases of offenders being on court bail and offending, even murdering. Unfortunately it happens and it shouldn't.

As a magistrate I am seeing lots of empty courts and cancelled sittings which justify the 34% figure. There is no doubt that with fewer resources the police and CPS are more choosey about the cases they bring to court and are achieving a 90% conviction rate. The perceived wisdom from those that really know is that there is an actual reduction in crime despite all the caveats.

Regarding bail, one of the three criteria for refusing bail is having substantial grounds to believe that the defendant will commit further offences. However, you do need justification for this. we can't just guess. Sometimes we get it wrong and it appears in the Press, but most times we don't and of course you never see that in the Press. If someone commits an offence on bail they are punished more heavily because of it.

 

[Stephen]

I've heard of half a dozen cases,here locally,where pensioners have had purses stolen while out shopping.Eastern Europeans,again,are said to be the main suspects.
A family member who is a bobby with GMP told me a few years ago that the Eastern Europeans can't believe their luck in coming to this country(England,not Spain)as there are so many wealthy people(to them at least)walking around the streets,carrying money,credit cards,phones,watches etc etc.
There are rich pickings to be had just walking out and about everyday.

 

[Tonsyl]

As a magistrate I am seeing lots of empty courts and cancelled sittings which justify the 34% figure. There is no doubt that with fewer resources the police and CPS are more choosey about the cases they bring to court and are achieving a 90% conviction rate. The perceived wisdom from those that really know is that there is an actual reduction in crime despite all the caveats.

Regarding bail, one of the three criteria for refusing bail is having substantial grounds to believe that the defendant will commit further offences. However, you do need justification for this. we can't just guess. Sometimes we get it wrong and it appears in the Press, but most times we don't and of course you never see that in the Press. If someone commits an offence on bail they are punished more heavily because of it.

There we are, you say "fewer resources" I say "lack of money" but it adds up to the original point which is that there is no money in the pot to deal with crime, both here and in Mallorca in a manner we would like and maybe should expect. Unfortunately, that means that certain fraternities know this and take their chances.

 

[jamesfshaw]

Thieves

In May whilst we were buying some oranges in the market some one took my wifes purse from her bag. How they managed to do this still baffles us.

She lost a modest amount of money but also her credit cards.

We then had to spend time at the bank and with the police.

So you are right they are very clever.

Better to use a money belt or zipped pockets in the front of trousers.

It was interesting in September to see the number of police circulating in the market.

Jim Shaw

 

[Rosie34]

In May whilst we were buying some oranges in the market some one took my wifes purse from her bag. How they managed to do this still baffles us.

She lost a modest amount of money but also her credit cards.

We then had to spend time at the bank and with the police.

So you are right they are very clever.

Better to use a money belt or zipped pockets in the front of trousers.

It was interesting in September to see the number of police circulating in the market.

Jim Shaw

Hi James

Same thing happened to me earlier this month in the old town Sunday market - my bag was securely zipped and I didnt discover it until I went to get my purse to buy some bread - purse gone - bag still zipped Like you, we then had to spend time with the police (very helpful and sympathetic) and then ring the bank to cancel the cards and then not being able to top up my phone due to card cancellation. I am the mose security conscious person you could meet but it just shows how crafty the b******s are

 

[pollensafan]

Re Alcanadakids comment.

Prolific offenders as mentioned above would never just be fined and released in the UK, and I would imagine it is the same in Spain. Prolific offenders usually get a custodial sentence even for a very minor offence #


Sorry but I'm still laughing at that comment. Just In my local paper there are cases every week. EG-- Man convicted of 48 robberys over 5 years. Sentences start of with fines and progress to prison and are now back to fines. I sit and wonder what part of a judges brain does not tell him that this person is obviously not going to stop.
Anyone that believes there is the remotest connection between justice and the law in britain needs his head looking at.

 

[Nick]

Simple, judges don't live in the real world. They have no concept of how the ordinary person lives.

To keep this on thread somewhat, the justice system in Spain is obviously as pathetic and lax as it is in the UK.

 

[eleanor]

This once again seems to be getting a little personal. Unless one has direct experience with a certain position then it is very difficult to understand what goes on and what limitations there might be which might be out of ones control.
Whilst we all agree I'm sure that crime is unacceptable and those who invade people's lives should be punished I do feel that personal comments attacking certain professionals are not productive. I believe judges have to live in the real world to become judges.

 

[Sparky]

Can we please keep this thread on topic guys, it is for Safety and Security issues in the PP area not the judicial system in the UK, thank you .

 

[Sparky]

An interesting article in the MDB:- Majorca Daily Bulletin . Grupo Serra Newspaper . Daily Press . News in English . Online Digital Information . Palma of Majorca Balearic Islands Spain. majorca daily bulletin. grupo serra newspaper . daily press . news in english . online digital info


Balearic crime rate down by 1.2%.
Palma.—From the start of the year to the end of September, there have been 59'417 crimes and failures to comply with the lawregistered in the Balearic Islands, compared to the 60'149 recorded over the same period in 2011. Of particular significance was that there was 60 percent less cases of homicide and murder, down from 10 to 4 from January to the end of September this year.
Robbery with violence was down from 10'369 in the nine month period in 2011 to 9'261 in 2012, -10.7%less. Vehicle theft was also down, by -9.8%, as was drug trafficking by -1.9%. The report showed however, that in the category of robbery with violence, there was a greater amount of crime being committed in private homes, up from 2'258 from January to September in 2011 to 3'387 for the same period this year, up by 50%. This, said Central Government’s Interior Ministry was largely due to the operations of gangs this summer in outlying areas of Majorca.
Two weeks ago, as part of “Operation Burkha,”the Guardia Civil arrested two young men who are accused of robbing as many as 70 houses in isolated locations in the municipalities of Sencelles, Binissalem, Algaida, Llucmajor, Inca and Marratxi.
The Ministry pointed out that the increase of robbery with violence in private homes has also been registering statistically higher because of new forms of technology capturing intruders on camera and new methods of detecting breaking and entering.

 

[Sparky]

Keep your money/ cards safe!!!!.

I would just like to remind all of you who are coming out for Sant Antoni to be careful with your wallets and handbags. Not that i have heard of any problems recently but wherever there are big crowds petty thieves and pick pockets see the opportunity to get get their sticky little fingers on your property.
So please be extra vigilant in the supermarkets, around the fires and in the square when watching the tree climbing. Don't become a victim .

 

[Sparky]

Well it's great to see lots of people around the Port, the season has started but i would just like to repeat what i said in my last post.

Do be careful and keep your property safe especially in shops and markets and don't become a victim .

 

[fil6699]

And Be AWARE the GAS Men are back out they called at my pace yesterday. Remember if they just turn up asking to inspect your gas equipment simply send them away saying you have no Gas. Regardless of how official the badges and T shirts they have look. They are looking to scam you so just say sorry we have no gas and they just go away.

 

[lb93]

just a quick one, was out on a cycling camp last week in pp, i took my dad with me for a break away and he was pickpocketed at the bus stop by pollensa park by 4 eastern europeans the police think they were romanians. they were in a black car and a woman asked for directions to a supermarket so just be carefull however do not be put off the port is a great place and very safe in my opinion

 

[Lorenzo]

Bogus gas inspectors

Oh thanks for the warning FIL. I can't believe that this scam is still operating.....
As FIL says, be strong and just do not let them in.

 

[lollipop]

Just to reiterate what Sparky said,today I witnessed a family having lunch at a restaurant in the square ,they were sitting at two tables outside and on more than one occasion one table got up and went to talk to the others and wandering away leaving a camera case sitting on the edge of the table,ripe for the picking if someone had a mind too. I don't think they were English but it shows how careless we become when on holiday.

 

[Sparky]

And Be AWARE the GAS Men are back out they called at my pace yesterday. Remember if they just turn up asking to inspect your gas equipment simply send them away saying you have no Gas. Regardless of how official the badges and T shirts they have look. They are looking to scam you so just say sorry we have no gas and they just go away.

Oh dear not again, yes as Fil says do not let them in, if genuine gas or electricity representatives need to access a property an appointment will be made in advance, they never just turn up.
Can i suggest to all owners who rent out that they make their guests aware of this by email, phone or even have a notice on the inside of the front door to the property.

 

[andyoliveras]

It does seem that far too many places in the European union, are facing the same problems, with so called petty crime and Scams in general!!! Well, it is very personal and stressful to any victim, that has endured such a crime. Maybe one day, the people in power across Europe, will collectively take much needed action to combat this and take it more seriously than present ( don't hold your breath!!)

 

[gpm]

Watch out thieves about

Just speaking to a friend, who was telling me they were in Rustic bar on Sunday night, and their friends handbag was stolen. 2 I phones, 2 passports, key to their apartment, keys to the hire car ect. Couldnt get back into their apartment and had to go to Palma for replacement passports. Obviously not Rustic,s fault but beware when out.

 

[skippy]

safe in villa

How safe would it be to leave cash/valuables in the safe at our villa when we are out for the day? It may seem a stupid question but never having rented a villa before and given the reports of increasing crime against tourists, I wonder if anyone could give me a few pointers and perhaps put my mind at ease.

Many thx in advance