By David Thomas
Whilst most of us will be preparing for the big day (just 55 days to go) and trying to decide on all the festive arrangements, criminals also prepare but in a somewhat different way and certainly not in the spirit of Christmas goodwill.
Unfortunately, as in many countries, criminals adopt their “winter crime plan” which often means focusing on the elderly who live alone and traditionally in some parts of the Algarve, turning their attention to properties in the more rural areas.
This year has so far been a good year (touch wood) as far as crime is concerned, with an overall decrease experienced in the last four years continuing. Good news of course, but it is still important not to be complacent. This is especially so during the economic downturn when criminals seek new ways to commit crime.
The GNR have been active in conducting their Safe Seniors programme which is undertaken at this time of the year, mainly aimed at those people living alone and/or in remote areas.
This year it finished on October 31 and involved seminars for the local elderly population and visits to their homes in some cases.
The advice given at GNR seminars is, however, relevant to the broader community.
The programme aims to enhance the feeling of security among the elderly populations.
In a series of seminars being held throughout the country, the main points concerning potential fraud/scams from door to door callers are being highlighted.
The GNR point out that these callers can seem extremely plausible, they are often smartly dressed and they have one thing in common – namely they prey on the most vulnerable in society.
I guess many of you reading this article are not elderly or living alone, but if your neighbour is or you know someone who falls into this category, now is the time to look out for them. These are the types of scams that criminals adopt either for you to hand over money or gain access to your property.
First is to watch out for imposters i.e. callers who claim to be from the social security seeking collection payments. It is important to note that Social Services do not operate in this way and any payments are made through bank transfers or over the counter.
The second scam is persons delivering parcels pretending to be post office staff and demanding a delivery charge. All payments for CTT services are made at the post office and anyone claiming to be a courier should have proper identification. If you are not expecting a parcel and have doubts, do not let the person onto your property and instead contact the company’s office.
Another one which seems less plausible but has previously occurred is callers claiming they are from banks saying they are collecting out-of-date bank notes such as the old €5 bank note as it is no longer legal tender. They may be offered a new but counterfeit note in exchange. Again it is important to note that banks or money exchange companies do not make house to house calls.
Bogus callers saying they are from the EDP or gas companies asking to check or change meters in an attempt to gain unauthorised access to the property. Note: officials from these companies would make an appointment and will be carrying proper identification.
“Conto do vigário” callers and people pretending to be from charities have approached people in the street asking for donations or inviting them to enter a competition with an enormous prize. Examples are given of those pretending to be Red Cross workers etc. Legitimate charity workers will usually be in some form of uniform and have to have a licence to carry out street collections with proper identification. Always ask to see that identification.
People call at your door asking for water and when your back is turned enter the property and steal something.
Some of the above are obvious but each year with the approach to Christmas such scams take place and vulnerable people can be lured to hand over their money.
Next month we will cover how to protect your property when you are on holiday over the Christmas period or simply going out over the festive period.
|| Crime Prevention Advice – Scams
• Keep phone numbers of police, ambulance service and family/close friends close at hand.
• Don’t produce your valuable documents or sign anything unless you are absolutely sure you are dealing with a genuine authority.
• Never leave your key in your front or rear door.
• Do not allow anyone into your home unless you are fully satisfied who they are.
• Do not leave notes on your door saying you are out.
• If contacted by phone by a stranger never say you are at home alone. If confronted at your front door call out saying “there are people at the door.”
• Consider installing a “peep hole” in the front door so you can see who is there.
• Always remember if an offer seems too good to be true then it probably is.
• If you have an elderly neighbour who lives alone keep a lookout for their welfare and safety
|| Loulé Real Estate Cadastre
Those living in the municipality of Loulé are required to register their land as part of the Cadastro Predial no Município de Loulé (Real Estate Cadastre) Programme. Following the submission of your declaration in connection with the Cadastro Predial programme, authorised inspectors employed by SULCAD, the company contracted by Loulé Câmara, will visit your land to check the land coordinates against the documents you have provided. It is understood this will commence shortly.
The GNR and SULCAD have asked Safe Communities Algarve to help make people aware of this. To ensure imposters do not use this opportunity to gain unauthorised access to your property, the inspectors will try and call you beforehand to make arrangements to visit you.
In addition, the inspector will have your name and address, and upon arrival he/she will have an identity card with information such as the logo of Sinergic (the name of the project); the name of the inspector and a number, and the signature of the Director General of the Direcção Geral do Território.
|| features@algarveresident.com
David Thomas is a former Assistant Commissioner of the Hong Kong Police, consultant to INTERPOL and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. In October 2011 he founded Safe Communities Algarve an on-line platform here in the Algarve to help the authorities and the community prevent crime. It is now registered as Associação Safe Communities Algarve, the first association of its type in Portugal.
913 045 093 | www.facebook.com/scalgarve | www.safecommunitiesalgarve.com
