Safety & Security in PP!!!

[Sparky]

Hi Skippy, if you have a safe put all your valuables (including passports) in it and lock all doors and windows. Basically take the same precautions as you would at home and you should be fine .

 

[lollipop]

Your villa should be safe if you leave it secure. Don't leave windows and shutters open when you go out for the day and if the pool is a distance from the main house,ensure the front is secure. Don't leave codes or keys to the safe in view. Just be as vigilant here as you would be at home. Its easy to forget once you are in holiday mode.

 

[lollipop]

Sparky, sorry looks like we hit the button at the same time.

 

[Sparky]

LOL!!! great minds think alike Lollipop .

 

[sws97sdg]

Agree, and I would certainly say they are safer in a safe than if you carry them around with you!

 

[skippy]

many thanks one and all

 

[Nick]

Not a daft question atall. Depends how secure the safe is, build quality, size, visibility etc. If it's in the bottom of a wardrobe then make sure you cover it over with something so it's not so obviously on view. At least make the thieves work harder. Any burglar wants to get in and out as quickly as possible, they do not want to spend valuable time hunting down property of value.

One thing that hasn't been mentioned is insurance. Even if the safe does get broken into or actually taken, you'll have better insurance liability if your valuables are locked in it. I prefer to hide things though because if the safe does go you'll lose everything.

Just be sensible. Lock every door and window and leave nothing on display. Leave a radio on or similar but don't let it spoil your hols!!!

 

[Grandad]

Regret to say but pick-pockets were about at Pollenca market a week last sunday. Caught one red handed a woman who says she picked it up off the floor.. We know she didn't but knowing and prooving ?? Take care folks P.P is the same as anywhere else in the world.. There are baddies about. ( Not normaly of majorcan desent )

 

[Siobhan]

Pickpockets

My friend had her wallet & iPhone stolen in the Eroski opposite Lidl last week. I am informed that another lady had her wallet & sunglasses stolen there in the last 2/3 weeks.

 

[Rosie34]

Regret to say but pick-pockets were about at Pollenca market a week last sunday. Caught one red handed a woman who says she picked it up off the floor.. We know she didn't but knowing and prooving ?? Take care folks P.P is the same as anywhere else in the world.. There are baddies about. ( Not normaly of majorcan desent )

Pollensa Sunday market is a prime spot for thieves - I am the most security minded person I know o) but I had my purse taken from my handbag at the market last October - and I didnt know till we got to the bread shop and I realised it was missing - the bag was still zipped up I now take the 'keep your hands on your holiday money' advice literally and keep my hands wrapped round my bag close to me - when in the market or supermarket etc. And yes, Grandad, I agree, they are not normally of Mallorcan descent - somewhere further East, I would say

 

[lollipop]

If anyone asks for help with reading a label,DON'T, there will be somebody behind you waiting to take your bag. This happened recently to a lady I know.

 

[Tetley]

I was interested to read this thread and it brought to mind an incident in Alcudia market when we were there earlier this year. An English lady was walking around the market stalls with her shoulder bag wide open. I hadn't seen this until a policeman in front of me stopped her and in his best broken English and sign language, gave her words of advice, which I took to understand that she should close her bag because of pickpockets. If people walk around tempting theft, you can understand why the thieves are about.

 

[Sparky]

Please, please, please be careful with your valuables guys!!!.
Although there are no specific problems being reported here these criminals are always active, there are more police/guardia patrols but they are not able to be on every market stall, supermarket queue or every sunbed on the beach, i know there are people who seem to think they should be but they can't .

It's up to all of us to make it as difficult as possible for them to operate .

 

[Belladonna]

Pickpockets in Eroski

Pickpockets still rife today.

Lovely family shopping in Eroski. "Gentleman" from Eastern country carrying two large bottles of water asks the father to reach up and get him a bottle of wine from high shelf. The father says he did not feel a thing, but at the check out, his wallet and all credit cards had been lifted from his zipped up bag. People at Eroski were less than helpful, and luckily my friend was able to take them to the police station and do the usual follow ups. Great way to start a holiday, even when you are being careful.

Please double secure your valuables in your bags. Go overboard with false compartments or whatever is necessary. It is very upsetting and time consuming to deal with the fallout from this horrible "trend" at the moment.

Unfortunately you have to double think the act of being helpful now and be aware that there may well be an ulterior motive behind any question to get your attention diverted.

Remind everyone in your group or who you talk to.

 

[Rosie34]

After being 'stung' in Pollensa market last October, I now fasten my purse inside my bag with a clip thing - but still keep it hugged to my front Once bitten etc..............

 

[eleanor]

Oh this is just horrid! What a way to start a holiday. It is a shame that Eroski are being so short sighted and not beong helpful. There have been a number of posts referring to Eroski and pickpockets so they must be aware this is happening in their store. It would be quite productive of them and good PR too if they were to have seen security guards walking around. OK it may not stop these people as they have it down to a fine art but it might make holiday makers more aware as once on holiday it is easy to be off guard. it is also human nature to want to help someone. what shame peoples attitudes will change because of these ghastly people.

As we always say these things can and do happen anywhere but it is the person it happens to that will take a lasting impression away with them. This will mean a negative attitude to Pollensa and that means it hits once again the tourist market.

 

[Belladonna]

I do feel that the shops need to be a little more pro active in all this. Its all well and good for us to be more vigilant and aware, but when the theft actually does happen, it would be good to know that the shops have cctv operating, and notices around as deterrents, and actually are a little more sympathetic too!

 

[eleanor]

It isn't easy either having to go to the police station. Even though the majority speak English you needto find someone who is able to translate and speaks Spanish. This might mean a cost to the person. Plus it takes such a long time.

When we had our burglary and had to attend we asked why if they spoke English we needed to have a translator. The answer was obvious I suppose. Incase the matter goes to court.

All in all it is a pain in the neck plus and upsetting experience and takes time out of a holiday. I agree the stores should get together and just deal with this as best they can and not be dismissive.

 

[Rosie34]

I must admit that the Pollensa police station staff were fluent English speakers ( well better than my Spanish which I am working on. And they were very sympathetic and helpful, considering they must have so many thefts to deal with. I was expecting them to be very officious and offhand - but it was quite the opposite. I still hope I dont have to repeat the experience though

 

[kate1]

Eroski does attract more tourists than some other supermarkets so I guess that's where the criminals might be targeting their activities - think I might do my shopping at Hiper in future...