DREAM HILLS – VECINOS COLABORANDO (NHW)
Minutes of Meeting held at 18.00 hrs. on Thursday, 26 February 2004
at The Emerald Isle, La Florida
Present: Chairperson Jan Rennison
Main Co-ordinator Denise Mills
Secretary Kath Allen (& Bill Allen)
Street Co-ordinators
| Jenny Honer |
| John Kerr |
| Di Jackson |
| Bob Harris |
| Gran Annable |
| Peter Brooks |
Apologies: Gerald Mills, Colin & Irene Arch, Joe & Paula McEvielley,
Carol Brookes
Jan opened the meeting, thanked the very limited number of attendees and asked if the previous Minutes had been read and accepted. There were no matters arising from those Minutes.
Jan, Kath and Gran attended the meeting of Orihuela Costa Vecinos Colaborando at the Town Hall on 5 February, and generally there was little to report. All Groups (there are now 30) seem to be experiencing similar problems to ours.
The subject of the ‘mess’ left by the prostitutes and their clients in the underpass at Cabo Roig was raised and it was suggested that petitions be raised, signed and sent to the appropriate authority. However, this course of action has not been followed up as it would mean everyone signing such a petition would have to include their address and passport or NIE number, and most people are not willing to do this.
The Chief of Police specifically mentioned Dream Hills NHW as keeping the authorities fully up to date by faxing reports on a regular basis.
The minutes from this meeting have not yet been received from the O/Costa VC Minute Secretary. If and when they are, they will appear on the Community Notice Board.
Denise provided details of crimes reported since the last meeting. The main problems appear to be bag snatches and stressed the importance of not fighting back if it happens to you. You will definitely come off worse than those committing the crimes – they don’t care if they hurt you, but if you hurt them they will sue you for everything they can, including hospital treatment!
There have also been a few break-ins and attempted break-ins. Again, it was stressed that everyone makes sure that if they are upstairs, their doors and windows are locked and keys, wallets, handbags, etc., are put out if sight. When leaving the house, the shutters should always be closed down.
Don’t invite ‘Charity Workers’ onto your property and don’t give them any money. It is illegal in Spain to collect money door-to-door. All legal Charities are registered and money is collected direct through Banks. A Notice to this effect will be placed on the Community Notice Board.
Crimes reported since the last meeting:
3 house robberies
1 break-in (nothing taken)
1 suspicious person hanging around
2 bag snatches on our urbanization, and
3 reported from external sub-committees.
Some people have been using CS gas sprays to ward off robbers, and the robbers have now started carrying CS gas themselves. Beware!
The function of NHW was again reiterated. We are not a policing or vigilante group. The Police are there to follow up crimes reported, and any sign of vigilante action will result in the Police withdrawing their support of NHW groups. Everyone is responsible for him/herself and for keeping an eye on each other’s properties, and should anyone need to report a crime they should telephone the number on the Vecinos Colaborando street stickers (649 900304) and state that we are members of Vecinos Colaborando. This will ensure that the problem is dealt with urgently.
Peter Brooks suggested the use of whistles. This was discussed at the outset of NHW and was put on hold. However, it was suggested that residents who wished to do so should purchase a whistle and the signal would be three short, sharp blasts. PLEASE NOTE; these whistles should be kept well out of the reach of children!
Wendie and Roger Ingram (No. 311) have agreed to become ‘entertainments’ co-ordinators. Suggestions for social events would be welcome.
Jan was disappointed with the poor attendance at this meeting. Only 10 people altogether, and only four apologies received. If any co-ordinators wish to resign from their position could they please let Jan know. We hope no-one does want to resign, but please let Jan know if you do.
It was suggested that NHW meetings be held on the last Thursday in each month, at 18.00 hrs., if it is deemed necessary to still meet monthly. This will be discussed again at the next meeting on Thursday, 1 April 2004 at 18.00 hrs. at the Emerald Isle – co-ordinators, please do your best to attend. Hopefully the clubhouse will be available for future meetings.
Please note that future Minutes will be placed in your community post boxes. Please check them 2 weeks after the date of the meetings.
NB: I am sorry for the delay in publishing these Minutes. Although I had typed them, my computer developed one or two problems including a couple of viruses, resulting in a rebuild, and I’ve only just got it back.
KEA 2 March 2004.