DREAM HILLS – VECINOS COLABORANDO (NHW)
2005 Annual General Meeting held at La Casita on Thursday, 03 November 2005 at 18.00 hrs.
Present: Chairperson - Jan Rennison
Main Co-ordinators - Gerald & Denise Mills
Secretary - Kath Allen
Street Co-ordinators - Colin Arch, Tony Chapman, Roger Ingram, Bob Harris,
Peter Brooks, Colin Bingham, John Williams.
Apologies: Gran Annable, Joe McEvielley, Pat & Roger Hooton.
Resignations: Viv & Wendy Marks, John Churchill
Jan opened the meeting with thanks to the Committee and Co-ordinators, and the few residents who attended.
The crime figures for the past year are well down on the previous two years, although whether this is because people are not reporting crimes to NHW or crimes are not happening, we cannot say. It is imperative that written reports of ALL crimes are passed to Denise and Gerald (No.568) in order that accurate monthly reports are sent to the Police. This is the only way our urbanisation will receive the necessary level of Police presence.
Gerald produced a graph showing that only 24 crimes had been reported this year, compared to 76 in 2003 and 146 in 2002.
There are now approximately 70 NHW Groups in operation on Orihuela Costa. Quarterly meetings of representatives from all groups (with Jesus, Chief of Local Police, in attendance if possible) at the Ayuntamiento, Playa Flamenca. However, Jesus is a very ‘hands on’ Chief and is often too busy to attend.
The following information has been passed to Denise during October:
| 1. |
Further to the letter scam reported in the October minutes, the address of the company has been investigated by Avon & Somerset Police and is simply a mail forwarding address. They suggest that any further problems be directed to the Trading Standards Office. |
| 2. |
Black evening bag found on Sunday, 16 October, containing cigarettes and keys with ´dummy´attached to the keyring. |
| 3. |
On Friday, 30 September, a ´distraction´ robbery at Via Park III occurred. car. Male ‘helping’ driver to reverse whilst accomplice snatched handbag containing driving licence, passports, 70€ in cash and credit cards. They then helped themselves to 1200€ from the credit card accounts. The thieves escaped in a white Renault Megane, and the Police have verified the registration plate to be false. |
The NHW Groups are all in touch with one another, passing on relevant information from their individual areas, and the following has been passed to our Group from Chris Poole:
| 1. |
A red Ford Escort has gone missing, registration A7089CT. Please let the Police know if you see it. |
| 2. |
Police have asked for our help in locating two people who have gone missing. MICHAEL BRUCE and PAULINA WYROKISKA. Any info, please contact the Police. |
| 3. |
A day or two after charity workers were in the vicinity, a number of attempted of break-ins occurred and a, and a car was stolen at Andaluz 3. |
| 4. |
Distraction robbery at Carrefour, Pilar de la Horadada. People told there was something wrong with their car. Tried to get them out to look whilst an accomplice attempted to steal from the car. |
| 5. |
Car stolen overnight on 23 October. Fairly new car, black/grey Smart Car reg: 2214DDS. Police informed. |
| 6. |
26 October: 3 Eastern European pickpockets in the San Miguel Market, diversionary tactics used. |
| 7. |
Enquiry supposedly from Bank of Valencia requesting permission to visit property regarding a mortgage applied for from neighbouring properties. Bank confirmed they had not make such a request. Obviously, just someone wanting to get into the house. |
| 8. |
Message received from Chris Poole – what are we achieving? He feels that we have played a small part in bringing down crime. During this summer Guardia Civil have used special squads in this area and we have also received requests for help from the Police. |
| 9. |
Translator available at Torre de la Horadada Police station between 9am and 1pm on weekdays, to assist people making Denuncias. However, her contract expires at the end of this year and it is now know whether it will be renewed. |
| 10. |
A list of cars stolen in the UK was issued to NHW groups by the Police earlier in the year, a number of which have been recovered. Policia Judicial have asked for our help again, and a list of numbers is available from your co-ordinators. These are mainly large, expensive cars and if spotted, do not approach but report to your NHW co-ordinator or direct to the Police. |
| 11. |
Following our next meeting, a notice will be attached to the minutes asking residents to report what is happening in their particular area. This is required by Chris Poole and all Groups are being asked to participate. |
Jan expressed her thanks to everyone for their help and reminded everyone that the positions of both Chairperson and Secretary are still vacant. Please – will anyone volunteer, and give us a break?
Date of next meeting: Thursday, 1 December 2005, at 18.00 hrs. at La Casita.
Please remember that all residents are welcome to attend these meetings; they are not just for the street co-ordinators. Also, new members and co-ordinators are URGENTLY required, particularly in the areas of houses numbered 1 to 100 and 800s.
Be extra vigilant over the run-up to Christmas. It is a very lucrative time for thieves. They know we have extra cash, gifts, food and drink at this time, and they are always on the lookout for easy pickings.
KEA 14 November 2005
URGENT ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
SINCE PRODUCING THESE MINUTES, TWO INCIDENTS HAVE OCCURRED DURING THE PAST WEEK, AND REPORTED TO NHW. PICKPOCKET IN LOCAL LIDL STORE AND MUGGING OF DREAM HILLS RESIDENT OUTSIDE VIA PARK V COMMERCIAL CENTRE. DISTRACTION TACTICS USED BY MOROCCAN-LOOKING MALE WHILST ANOTHER MALE STOLE HANDBAG FROM PASSENGER SIDE OF VEHICLE. ASSAILANTS TOOK OFF IN SILVER 4 DOOR CAR (POSSIBLY PUEGEOT) WITH 3 MALE OCCUPANTS. BE AWARE – TAKE CARE!!
JAN/KATH