DREAM HILLS – VECINOS COLABORANDO (NHW)

Meeting held at La Casita on Thursday, 7 June 2007, at 18.00 hrs.

Present:                 Chairperson                              Jan Rennison

Main Co-ordinators      -           Denise Seagroatt          Gerald Mills

                  Street Co-ordinator      -           Bob Harris.                  Peter Brookes

Apologies:                                                              Tony Chapman Roger Ingram

Jan opened the meeting and thanked everyone for attending.  Minutes of the previous meeting were agreed.  Jan also made it known that Denise and Gerald would be moving away from Dream Hills and would no longer be a part of our group.  On behalf of the Dream Hills committee she thanked them for all their involvement and efforts in making the largest Neighbourhood Watch group in Orihuela Costa run successfully.

Reports received since the last meeting, as follows:

May 07       Robbers revisited 761 with keys stolen last month.  Fortunately residents had changed their locks and robbers were unable to get in.

10 May 07  Vandalism witnessed by Inspirations resident.  5/6 males returning home late swung from and bent over road sign on Calle Laguna Ruideras.  Believed Geordie accent.

29 May 07  House robbery at Dream Hills 737 fishing rod method used through bedroom window.  Thieves also got into lounge and stole cash and personal items.  Shutters left up and windows unlocked.  Front door possibly unlocked.

31 May 07  House robbery and hire car stolen at Dream Hills 249.  Personal items and cash taken, house possibly not locked.  Police found car later and returned the same day.

7 June 07     House robbery at Dream Hills 95.  Thieves broke in through kitchen door, took laptop, video recorder, video camera, and other items which were packed into victim’s suitcase.

Following the excessive number of crimes involving the 600/700 houses in the last few months an email was sent on 7^th May to both Guardia Civil and Policia Local informing them of this increased activity as denuncias have not always been submitted.

As the holiday season is now with us the opportunist robber will follow.  A reminder of DOs and DON’Ts is attached and will also be posted on the notice boards.

There is a Vecinos Co-operando Web Site now fully operational with a lot of information and various downloads.  http://www.nhwinspain.com

Since the meeting, news has been received that Playa Flamenca Guardia Civil office is now open for Denuncias:-

Monday to Friday                     9 am until 3 pm Saturday and Sunday                9 am until 2 pm

The following reports were received from other Orihuela Costa areas:

1.         Internet Scam – Scam operators have been sending out emails using the official Agencia Tributaria logo (Spanish Tax Office) to inform users that they have a pending rebate.  A form has to be completed by email to obtain this rebate, requiring personal and credit card details!!  The Spanish Tax office does not work this way, do not give out personal details.

2.         Vehicle number plates stolen at Villa Martin – Both front and back, from VW Golf possibly for use while committing crime.

3.         Distraction Theft at Mercadona Villa Martin – 2 North African males seen to partially deflate rear right hand tyre.  When victim stops outside car park to investigate problem items stolen from inside car.  Vehicle used dark green Vauxhall Victor, English Reg No.

4.         Man asking for money in La Zenia – The same man as last month demands money on the pretext that he lives nearby and his house has been robbed.  He needs money to pay for a locksmith.  Thin build, short cut hair, 6’2” believed Norwegian, in possession of dark red Berlingo van.

5.         Lost Yorkie Via Park 2 area – Answers to the name of Harry and is black and tan.  Owners arrived end of last month.  Ring 0044 7836529992.

6.         Casino warning– Persons won large amount of money at Torrevieja casino and returned home in Orihuela Costa.  After having retired to bed for about an hour they were awakened by a thief who had taken the large amount of cash, credit cards, car keys and car.  If you are fortunate enough to win a tidy sum be aware of persons around you or cars following you.

7.         Handbag Snatch at Villa Martin – North African snatched two handbags from ladies outside computer shop.  The same vehicle has been used a number of times to carry out bag snatches.  Silver Audi estate with nationality letter L or PL.

8.         House Break-In at Torre de la Horadada – 2 North Africans one about 30, balding, escaped in 1995/6 Red Peugeot.

9.         Distraction Theft at Lidl – Man asked victim to read what was on a bottle of beer whilst other attempted to steal wallet from pocket.  One thought to be Russian and other Rumanian.

10.     Swimming Pool warning – A house was attacked when owners were by the community pool.  Window bars were cut, presumably with a cordless cutter and then removed.  The thieves must have been aware where the owners were and what they were doing.

11.     Suspicious Car – Possibly used in garden thefts with items being sold on a boot sales.  Red car, occupants, man and woman both dark hair, not North African.

Denise and Gerald would like to thank all those who have contributed their time and effort to provide the Neighbourhood Watch service.  Without the Co-Ordinators, from the early conception to present day, none of this would have been possible.  We thank you very much.

Date of next meeting:                               Thursday, 5 July 2007, at 18.00 hrs. at No. 198.

GIM                                                                                                                 10 June 2007