Montgo safety and security meeting 19 January 2024

Following a series of burglaries on the Montgo, local resident Dick Kuizinga, arranged a meeting with the local police and the Mayor to raise our concerns and find out what plans are in place to improve security. The minutes of this meeting where kindly written up by Gerrie (The APMJ Neighbourhood watch lead) and can be found below. 

Dick Kuizinga welcomed residents and special guests, the Mayor and the local police. The objective of the meeting was to obtain information on safety and security, including insights into burglary statistics and effective preventive measures like lighting and cameras.

We want to highlight the XABIA ALERT app. It’s crucial that everyone downloads it. In case of an emergency, the app allows you to connect with the appropriate person or organization. You can find it on the Apple App Store. There is currently an issue with the Android version, but efforts are underway to resolve it.

Residents’ questions

• When will we get lights on the Montgo?

Answer: the Mayor explained that they are working on a new lighting plan for the Montgo, Old Town and other areas. They are now making a study of how to develop it so that people cannot destroy or take it away (like they did elsewhere when they took the copper cables). It has to be done in a sustainable way. We should expect to see some  developments and implementation later this year.

• We have been hearing this for a long time. Is it realistic that street lighting will be installed this year?

Answer: The police officer answered that they recognised the problem. They are already seeing a lot of change. The new government is really delivering what they promise. They have faith in this new government that this will continue

Answer: The Mayor knows that the former government promised and did not deliver. They are now sorting this all out and are trying to do get things done. But it is a lot and it will take time. We have been chosen for a reason and we really want to make a difference.

• The Old Town already has lights and we on the Montgo have none. Can the Montgo be prioritized?

Answer: The Mayor knows the importance of having lights to feel safe. The big difference now is they have the for lights and camera’s but unfortunately there is a process to follow before they can spend that money and that takes time. The plan is to start on the Montgo this year.

• What zones have the up-most priority?

Answer: for the Montgo we have 3 goals:

• Lights
• camara’s
• cleaning up the barranca’s

Just this morning we were talking about a new kind of camara to install. It will be done in two phases. The plan for the two phases is now being made.

Special Task force

In a positive development, a specialised task force comprising 12 highly trained police officers is set to commence operations in just two weeks. This dedicated team has undergone extensive training in engaging with burglars, proactively preventing break-ins, and enhancing the overall safety of the Javea community. Additionally, there are plans for the police force to recruit an additional 30 police agents. This initiative aims to fortify security measures and contribute to making Javea a safer place to live.

• You want to do a lot but the budget is not endless. Do you have a plan and how much of the plan can be done with the money you have?

Answer: We are working on the plan and hope to start in three to six months. We have money to do the three goals mentioned. We can not go faster because we are short of man power.

• Will the special unit also help prevention?

Answer: Yes, everything from prevention to reaction, the whole range. We work 24/7 on a flexible schedule.

• There are many burglaries, but do you catch the culprits?

Answer: Yes, but not us, the Guardia Civil. There are many criminal gangs active.

• Who do we call if something is happening?

Answer: call 112 or better yet use the XABIA ALERT app, alternatively call the local police.

Law enforcement has observed instances where individuals share details about their vacations or the absence of their spouses with strangers or in public spaces. It is advised to refrain from disclosing such information, as it could fall into the wrong hands. Exercise caution on social media as well, avoiding posts about ongoing vacations. Consider sharing updates after your return to prevent potential burglars from learning that your property is empty.

Furthermore, when hiring a security company, prioritise choosing a reputable and trustworthy organisation. Not all security companies possess the same level of reliability, so careful consideration is crucial in ensuring the safety of your property and loved ones.

• We’ve attempted to collect data on burglary rates and trends, particularly noting a concentration between 18:00 and 21:00. Can you confirm this and increase presence during these hours? Additionally, can you share information to enhance our understanding of incidents, locations, and timings for learning purposes?

Answer: We do have a lot of information but not all that we want yet. Yes, we want to share more and get more information from you. The new unit is going to collect more information and is welcoming the information we as residents have already collected. And yes, it is very often that burglaries are when people are going for dinner. We will be around at all different times and better yet, try to prevent burglaries from happening.

• Is it accurate that we have no recourse against squatters 24 hours after they occupy a property?

Answer: No, that’s not accurate. While it’s easier to address the situation within the initial 24 hours, we can still take action afterward. However, the process becomes lengthier. The police note that squatters typically target vacant or bank-owned properties, and it’s crucial to inform us promptly upon detecting squatter activity.

• Is the new team with 12 police officers just for the Montgo?

Answer: No for Javea.

• What methods are employed for monitoring houses? Intruders tend to strike when homeowners are on vacation or away. Do they utilize drones?

Answer: No, there’s no evidence of drone usage. Instead, they survey neighbourhoods, observing routines to identify predictable patterns. It’s advisable to avoid a fixed schedule, as burglars are less likely to break in when occupants are present to avoid facing harsher penalties if caught.

• Lots of people have a camera at the front gate. But the law says you cannot have it facing the street. What is your advice?

Answer: Yes, that is the law but your safety is more important and we don’t mind if you have it facing the street. As a matter of fact, we want to use your camera images for our investigations.

• You say there are light and cameras and a special team coming. What can we do?

Answer: Light is a big problem; you can put lights around your home but most importantly that you share information with us. If you see something that looks suspicious call us.

• We are starting to get small neighbourhood watch groups here will that help?

Answer: Yes, but do share information with us and not just with the NHW groups and it is very important to be visible. We, as special unit, are going to be very visual. That way the area is less attractive to burglars.

• Do we have more burglaries compared to other areas in Javea?

Answer: No, but they do like areas where there are many entrances, so it depends on the infrastructure. It also depends on the type of criminal gang and what they are after. Most of the time they only want money and jewellery.

• While it’s positive to learn about the plans, can you provide assurance that tangible steps are being taken? Do you have a plan with clear targets, allowing us to track progress and achievement? Would the Mayor be open to sharing the plan with us before its implementation?

Answer police: We are determined and very committed to bringing down the numbers of burglaries and fight crime. We are very willing to share the results with you. The APMJ can be the liaison with the police. (The AMPJ will collect questions.)

Answer Mayor: It as necessary to have a plan with targets and I am willing to share the plan before they execute the plan.

• Some areas are still the responsibility of the contractors and not the City. Do those areas get lights too?

Answer: The Mayor will look into this and will have a meeting with the civil servants that know all about this and will come back to us with answers.

Lola from DAR offers the police to use the DAR centre as their base. DAR will be helpful in all ways. Dar is in the centre of the Montgo and the police can use it 24/7

The police are very grateful for her offer and will gladly accept her offer.

Neighbourhood watch (NHW)

Gerrie Ruijs gave a short presentation on where we stand with the Neighbourhood watch.

As many of you know we are trying to set up a good and visible NHW because it is one of the things we can do to make it less attractive for burglars to come here. When we work together, and be the eyes and ears in the area, it will scare them away and we can pass more information to the police.

NHW Javea

Gerrie talked to Tony Cabban. He is the coordinator of NHW Javea. There are 13 NHW groups in Javea. The coordinators of these groups are in a Whatsapp group with the chief of police. They share important information there. Gerrie is the contact for the Montgo in this group.

NHW Montgo

Most NHW groups are groups that cover small areas. The Montgo is big and therefore we need at least 15 or 20 small NHW groups. Each group will have a coordinator. All Montgo coordinators will be in one Whatsapp group for the Montgo where they can share important information, that can be shared also with the police. How many houses will be in a small group will depend on the infrastructure. There for some groups will have 50 homes and some maybe just 20.

Visibility

NHW is important so we can be alert and help each other but is also important to be very visible. In Javea we have two kinds of signs that show the burgles that they are being watched by a NHW group. The blue one is adopted by many NHW groups. It is important we put signs up at every main entrance. It is good we use the same blue sign that burglars already know so they recognize it. The signs are made with international used images. There are also small signs for homes.

Toolkit to start NHW groups

To start a NHW group Gerrie made a toolkit with information and guidance so the coordinators can start the NHW groups in their area.

A NHW group will have:

• Letters in all languages to ask your neighbours to become a member of your local group
• Whats-app alert group of your own local area
• Jackets with NHW on it to be visible
• Big signs for all main entrances in Spanish and English
• Small signs for your homes
• NHW Montgo will be part of the Javea NHW organisation
• Dar can be also the meeting place for the NHW groups
• There will be a map of all Montgo groups so people can see which group to join.

Hi-vis jackets and signs need to be purchased and Gerrie is trying to get sponsors to contribute.

Coordinators meeting

Before the end of January Gerrie will send out an invite to all coordinators of the small NHW groups for a meeting. If you want to be a coordinator and you haven’t put your name on the list let please contact Gerrie so you can be invited. (gerriegerrie89@gmail.com or Whatsapp to 0034623420437)

There are existing Neighbourhood Watch (NHW) groups on Montgo, and they are willing to exchange their best practices for the benefit of all.

Find our more about neighbourhood watch in our members area.