Consulate works to reduce petty theft in Alicante
The British Consulate, police and tourism partners have joined forces in Alicante to reduce petty theft, which represented 80% of crimes reported in the province in 2013
With the busy tourist season already upon us, local police and consular staff met with with representatives from hotels, campsites and apartments in Benidorm to encourage them to help keep tourists safe. At the meeting, the National Police prevention team offered some simple tips for holiday reps to pass on to their guests:
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Beware of “triles” - groups who trick tourists with fake street games
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Mobile phone theft is on the up – don’t leave your phone on the table or take it to the beach and look after your passport.
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Take advantage of the “Operación Verano” – in July and August anyone can get a free certified copy of their passport from the police so they can leave the original at the hotel
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People approaching tourists to ask them to sign petitions or for money are sometimes looking for opportunities to steal from them so be wary
The Consulate welcomed this proactive advice to avoid petty crime and also talked about the importance of working together to support tourists when something does go wrong, which can have a huge impact on how the victim of crime recovers from the experience.
Britisl Consul in Alicante Paul Rodwell encouraged the hotel staff to inform guests of the National police’s “SATE” office in Benidorm, where victims of crime will be supported and assisted in English to make a police report and make any emergency calls they need to. The office is located in the Centro Municipal Torrejó, Plaza Canalejas and is open from 9am-9pm Monday to Friday and 9am-2pm at the weekend.
The Consul also showed the hotel staff their prevention posters and a short video titled Enjoy your holiday, which the hotels, apartments and campsites were keen to use.
Following the event, Mr Rodwell said:
The Consulate is committed to supporting vulnerable British nationals in Benidorm by working closely with the Spanish national police and tourism partners. This event was a great opportunity to gain a greater understanding of each others’ role so that we can help British nationals more effectively.
The event was opened by the head of tourism for the Valencian region, Sebastian Fernandez Miralles, the deputy Mayoress of Benidorm, Gema Amor, and the head of the National Police in Benidorm, Juan Carlos Hernandez.