Crimewatch GA!

Coming from a large city in Britain, I am used to crime in one way or another. Southampton is a city that suffers from a lot of criminal activity.  I have been at the sharp end of it myself; having suffered from violence and assault as well as theft.  It is a sad fact of life these days, that statistics show a marked increase in anti social behaviour.  One of the reasons for me moving to Spain, was to get away from this kind of thing; moving to a place, that I would consider to be far removed from the one I had left. After nearly a year, living in Gran Alacant, I have experienced no crime against me personally!

This is only the beginning of the story and one that I shall cover in January's Gran Alacant Advertiser.  I wanted to mention a few words on circumstances, that are of concern for all local residents.  I live in a small, close  community, who when faced with problems or a situation, that requires unity, do all they can to come together of the sake of the area they live in.

During the summer months, I was aware of various local residents and tourists who had been pickpocketed in the GA Centre; the main shopping complex, meeting place and social hub. This isn't unusual in a tourist area, with residents owning second homes. to understand what is going on, you have to look at the state of the Spanish economy; The jobless figure is high, 21 percent is the norm here. Youth unemployment is even higher, at around 40 percent.  I have spoken about the reasons for high unemployment in the past, so will not go over it again. Whatever problems there are in Spain, theft is still no excuse.  I don't have an awful lot of money myself, but would never dream of resulting to stealing from anybody!

With the summer season at an end, money is even more scarce than it was before. From what I believe, November is one of the worst months for tourists in Gran Alacant. This causes its own problems and some less savoury  people  try every which way they can to make money, illegal or not!  Some of my neighbours and friends have already become victims of what I can only describe as a conman or a group of conmen; none of us, are sure yet, as to the number of persons involved.

A dear friend  had her handbag stolen from her home in the early hours of the morning; others have had items taken from outside their homes and many more have become the victims of a conman, including my neighbours. It seems this person is asking others for money; claiming to be a neighbour in need; locked out of their house and needing the locks changed.  Money is being given, in good faith, by admirable people, trying to help a person in need, who is nothing but!  I know one neighbour who was taken for 50€ and others for much more 500€ plus.

It is shocking that these things take place, but not  surprising.  At the moment I have to keep my house locked at all times, windows, shutters and front gate, to deter this type of person.  It does seem however, that the Gentleman, purloining those living here, is not even a local.  Some residents have done their own detective work and discovered that the person, taking advantage of others, is from Southern Germany.  He is in his mid fifties, about 6ft 2" tall, thin, wearing a blue hoodie and cap.  If you do come across this guy, obviously give him no money and inform the local Guardia. I have more details on this man, in the section of this blog, entitled 'Gran Alacant', you can access it, by clicking on the justice icon below.

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As an area, it could be said that Gran Alacant is predominantly a second home owners destination.  This was especially so, when the urbanization was established more than a decade and a half ago; the residents were mainly English!  A lot has changed since this time. Many more people are living here all year round; not only the English, but also the Spanish too.  It is a terrible fact that in many cases, neighbours just do not know one another, in a way that they used too, in years gone by.  Many of the homes in GA are rented out, on a temporary basis, conmen know this; they are aware of who is moving in and out of the area; and prey on the fact that people living here for a temporary three months, do not know those living nearby. Normally, human nature dictates, that we help others in need.  If we see someone in distress, we will always do our best to help.  Bad people take advantage of our good nature.  As we become more vigilant as a community, sadly genuine people, who need assistance will suffer. That doesn't mean, of course, that we should turn our backs on everyone, just be more aware of issues that affect our community, so we can make a more informed decision.

​Gran Alacant is a wonderful place to live.  Like anywhere, it does experience problems from time to time.  There will always be a small minority that spoil things for other people.  That doesn't mean we should sit back and allow these people to get away with their crimes; rather we should stand up and be counted, looking out for those that live here; remain on our guard, attentive, circumspect and punctilious in observing what is going on around us. Everyone can sleep, sound in their beds, knowing they have done all they can, to prevent themselves becoming a victim!

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