By DAISY SAMPSON daisy.sampson@theresidentgroup.com
Members of the Vale Telheiro and Poço Geraldo community, near Loulé, have successfully worked together and with local police to create a neighbourhood watch system which is leaving the community feeling “much safer”, according to a scheme spokesman.
The scheme has brought together the community, with all nationalities taking part and adding their homes to a detailed map of the area for police to be able to locate them quickly in the event of an emergency.
A spokesman for the scheme told the Algarve Resident: “Since we started the scheme, we have managed to involve the whole community who are now dedicated to keeping up this project, and have 120 houses on the map.
“What has also been very encouraging is the response we have had from the GNR. We have had meetings with the police who have advised how best to avoid becoming a victim of crime and they have now dedicated a patrol to our area.”
The spokesman added: “The police are also working to make things easier for foreign residents and we have a mobile number to call if we need them or simply would like advice. This is always answered by an officer who speaks English, making communication with the police much easier.”
The success of the scheme has seen other residents in the Algarve wanting to emulate the project, and now members of the neighbourhood watch give advice to others who are also wanting to create their own map for the GNR and set up their own scheme.
However, for those who are not part of a group, there are many ways to help protect yourself and your property, as the spokesman pointed out: “There are many simple steps that can be taken to cut your risk of becoming a victim of crime. The GNR have advised us that we should make sure we are not being followed home after visiting a restaurant or supermarket, especially at night, should only employ people we fully trust and are legal to work in Portugal, install security systems and keep all windows and doors locked.
“Working together as a community and with the GNR to fight crime has meant that we all now feel safer living in the Algarve.”
For further information and advice about setting up a neighbourhood watch scheme in the Algarve, please email neighbours@sapo.pt
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