The Chairman opened the meeting by welcoming the new co-ordinators and thanking them for taking on the task.

Gerald then went through the information pack, copies of which were handed out, explaining how the system works. There has been a significant increase in Guardia patrols since NHW has been set up and following a reported incident last week on our urbanization, the Police attended within 10 minutes of the call. He also emphasised the importance of watching out for people behaving suspiciously, ie: sitting alone in cars for significant lengths of time, and of noting details of those cars - make, model, colour, registration number, and also a description of the occupant(s). The information may be passed onto all other co-ordinators and all reports should also be passed onto Denise, the main co-ordinator, who will ensure that other relevant co-ordinators are informed.

Robberies in the street, at local markets, etc., can also be reported to Police using our forms as they have to be reported in Spanish, and it saves the waiting time and cost of an interpreter.

A historical overview document was handed out to new co-ordinators for their information, and the Police have also requested reports of actual robberies for their files.

The following occurrences have been reported since the last meeting:

Observations 4 (2 from outside sub-committees)
Break-ins 1
Robberies 2

One observation involved ‘Charity’ workers, who appear to be targeting new residents. Notes to be issued to Phase 4, informing them of their NHW co-ordinator and offering information on alarms, grills, window locks, etc..

When new owners do move in, inform them of the pitfalls and problems.

Holiday homes are also being targeted as ‘look-outs’. Keys are easily obtained from the show house, and then not returned.

Gerald attended this meeting on Friday, 14 February. Scheduled for 1pm, it eventually commenced at 2.15pm. Other attendees were the Council boss, the Police Chief (both of whom are committed to NHW scheme) and one person from the 8 different groups from NHW. However, the Mayor did most of the talking! He understands and agrees with the principles of NHW (now that he understands it is not a vigilante group), agrees that the lamp post stickers and other paperwork are good, and supports the previously agreed printing of them. He says there are lots of projects in the pipeline, one of which is an increase of both Local Policing and National Police – a new building/HQ for which he hopes will be on Orihuela Costa. Also, street naming and numbering. Owing to lack of time – late commencement of meeting – there was no opportunity to put questions to the Mayor and the meeting closed at 3pm. However, questions were passed on to Chris Poole who, along with 3 or 4 members from all other NHW groups will attend a NHW Area Committee meeting on 24 February which the Mayor will also attend (if possible!) as an observer.

800 Euros collected from new members; no-one approached has refused to contribute.

Good response to The Valencia Fallas World Famous ‘Night of Fire’ on Wednesday, 19 March. 10% discount from coach cost to go to NHW fund.

Several co-ordinators having problems with their fax machines – possibly not compatible ‘Alarma’ systems. To be investigated by individuals with Alarma Company.

It was also suggested that residents be encouraged to exchange door locks. This could be arranged via their local co-ordinator at a nominal charge of 5 Euros each. They should also ensure that they receive 5 keys from the builder on completion.

It was agreed that the following co-ordinators would cover:

Nos. 176 – 229 - Pat
Nos. 230 – 320 - John C
Nos. 321 – 352 - Gerry
Nos. 353 – 382 - Sue
Nos. 383 – 421 - Rob
Nos. 422 – 480 - Wendy
Nos. 481 – 508 - John K
Nos. 509 – 518 to be taken by Colin Arch (Phase 1 co-ordinator).

A Dutch Company (name/tele.no. to be supplied at next meeting) fitting the above at the following costs:

Whole house - 144 Euros.
Per shutter - 6 Euros.
Per window - 18 Euros.