Stay safe from thieves in your hire car!

Many visitors to the area will be picking up hire-cars, some for the first time - Please remember to take off any identifiable stickers that the hire company may have put on the car before leaving the airport. Many car hire companies have become wise and do not put stickers on their cars but some still do -These can be carefully peeled off and stuck under the boot lid and put back on the car on the return of the vehicle. The targeting of hire cars by thieves is not a new thing and happens in all countries but it is wise to be aware and not leave anything inside the vehicle in view. Even if a carrier bag has 'nothing much in it' the car could still be broken into, with the inconvenience of broken windows etc spoiling a holiday. Even leaving anything of value in the boot is risky.

There has been warnings about thieves targeting supermarket car parks like Carrefour in Torrevieja.

The N332 facebook page has posted warnings about thieves who go around Hire Cars in Carrefour Parking, this has happened in Torrevieja, but this can no doubt happen in other Shopping and parking areas:
The following post is copied from the N332 facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/TorreviejaTraf ... nt?fref=ts :

"Hello, as someone who has been working at carrefour, I have noticed there have been lots of rental cars with stickers on the back, at mid day when I have my lunch break I tend to see people looking into those cars specifically, they see me in my car and scarper, there are people who work in the car park as security, but they can't cover the entire area quickly since its one person."
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
N332: "Be aware and keep your possessions safe":
- Never leave your bags or other valuables unattended in the vehicle.
- Be discreet with your belongings; displaying expensive jewellery or electronic devices, like mobile phones or cameras, could attract unwanted attention.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
To report a crime to the police "after the fact", or to obtain a police report for any reason, you will need to go to the local police station.
If you lose or have stolen any bags, expensive items, or especially your passport you MUST first report this to the police. They will issue you with a 'denuncia' to show you have reported its loss. In the case of a lost/stolen passport, the 'denuncia' should be presented at your national consulate, where emergency documents for travel home will normally be issued.
For other losses, the 'denuncia' should be sent to your travel insurance company when making a claim.



Just take these normal precautions and enjoy your holiday this Summer!

Jan