Filenews 8 July 2022
As part of the efforts made by the Police to consolidate the sense of security of citizens, as well as their property, in view of the summer holidays, the public is advised to take its own precautionary measures.
Indicatively, the following is a series of preventive measures that citizens are urged to take for the most effective guarding of their homes and shops, as well as their other property while they are on beaches and tourist resorts.
Beaches:
*Only the necessary amount of money needed by the bather should be taken to the beach, and personal property should be constantly in the field of vision.
* Do not take to the beach items of any great value - objects, such as jewellery, watches, cameras, mobile phones, etc. In case such objects are transported, in no case should they be left unattended.
*Where possible, to cooperate with other bathers for the mutual surveillance of their property.
In the hotel or tourist apartment
*Preference should be given to hotels or tourist accommodation, in which there are measures to protect the property of customers.
*Every time the residents leave their room, they should make sure that the windows and doors are closed and secured.
*Not to carry with them money or valuables that they will not need as they leave the accommodation.
*Items of value should be left for safekeeping, in the reception area or in another specially designed area of the hotel or accommodation.
Homeowners
*When away from home, leave no clues betraying your absence.
*To make sure that it is well locked, all doors and windows closed and secured, and to cooperate with neighbours of their trust, for the mutual surveillance of their homes.
*Do not leave the keys in the locks, not even on the inner side of the door.
*Not to leave exposed money, jewellery, important documents or other valuables and, where possible, to keep them in a safe.
*If they have an alarm system and/or a closed circuit television, make sure that they have put them into operation and that they are operational, ie not damaged, batteries are functioning, etc.
Store owners
*To leave open and empty the cash registers of their stores
*Do not leave large amounts of money in precarious places
*Do not leave their property exposed
*Have arranged for the installation of alarm systems
* To check that these systems are modern, reliable and have not suffered any damage As far as electrical appliances are concerned, to record the serial numbers of the manufacturer.
In crowded places/public roads:
The public during their holidays are advised to be especially careful when walking or being on busy streets / public places and to follow the following instructions:
*Money and credit cards to be placed in the front pockets of clothes.
*For women who carry bags, not to place in them all the money, credit cards, passports, etc. and to leave items not immediately required in a safe insured place in the hotel or place of residence.
*The bag, in which valuables are located - preferable to be placed in such a way that there is constant visual contact with it. (e.g. across the chest)
Vehicle owners
Do not leave the vehicle unattended when its engine is on or leave valuables, bags, wallets or other items in sight. Valuable objects SHOULD NEVER BE LEFT, visible in any vehicle as these are an open invitation to a thief.
*If there is a need to leave items in the car, they should be placed under the seats or in the luggage compartment. Never leave bags, briefcases, mobile phones, portable computers or any other objects in visible places inside the car, even if it is locked.
*Not to leave his vehicle in operation [ie keys in the ignition/engine running] even if you will be away even for a very short time and never to leave the keys on the engine or on the door. The owner /driver should take seriously into account that thieves are around and therefore, even in the event of a few minutes' absence from his car, he must take all those measures that would prevent the theft of property from his vehicle or even the theft of the vehicle itself.
*Always lock the doors and fully raise the windows, even if the car is parked in front of his house or in another place he considers safe.
*Always park his vehicle, in places where there is enough street lighting. Dark or secluded spots make the work of thieves easier.
*Make sure that he has removed his car keys.
*Not to leave the keys of his vehicle exposed in prominent places or in places that anyone can access.
* To take care of the safe keeping of the keys of his vehicle, especially when he is in crowded places (shops, restaurants, beaches, etc.) where there is a possibility of becoming the object of theft.
*Where there is a garage, this should be used.
Finally, it is recommended to install an alarm system in the car.
In general, the public is urged to be vigilant and to cooperate closely with the Police. In the event that they suspect or have any other information that may help the work of the Police, please inform the nearest Police Station or contact the Citizen's Contact Line at the number 1460.
