The UK Foreign Office has updated guidance for British holidaymakers heading to Spain, including information about a key app, that could help keep tourists safe
The UK Foreign Office has updated its guidance for holidaymakers heading to Spain, including informing travellers of one key safety app to have whilst in the country.
The updated travel advice for Spain warns travellers of the potential risk of street crime, steering visitors towards a key app that could help.
“The Spanish Police and Civil Guard have a mobile app which offers a number of services, including simple and discreet communication with police forces if you experience or witness a crime – more information can be found on the ALERT COPS webpage,” warns the Foreign Office.
ALERT COPS is Spain’s police and Guardia Civil app. It allows individuals to communicate with the State Security Forces and Corps in a simple and discreet way. Users register, open the app an press the specific alert button on the app’s icon menu. The individual’s position will reach the nearest control centre, and then the user can send pictures and videos, indicate if the alert has happened to themselves or they witness it.
The app is free and available throughout the Spanish territory except in the Basque Country and Catalonia.
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The Foreign Office adds: “Protecting your belongings. Be alert to the risk of street crime. Thieves use distraction techniques and often work in teams. Take care of your passports, money and personal belongings, particularly when collecting or checking in luggage at the airport, and while arranging car hire.
“Do not carry all your valuables in one place. Keep a copy of the photo page of your passport somewhere safe. Make sure your accommodation has adequate security. Keep all doors and windows locked. If you’re concerned about the security of your accommodation, speak to your travel operator or the property owner.”
As well as being careful to avoid thieves, Majorca Daily Bulletin also warns individuals of vehicle crime. “Highway pirates” target foreign-registered and hire cars, especially those which are towing caravans. The ‘pirates’ may flag you down, claiming there is something wrong with your car or that you have damaged theirs.
Holidaymakers are being warned that if they must stop to check their vehicle in any way, they should do so in a public area, that is well lit, such as a service station. Also, they should be wary of anyone offering help.
In addition, when driving, holidaymakers should be concious of people posing as plainclothes police officers, in unmarked cars. In traffic-related instances, police will be wearing a uniform, and an actual unmarked police vehicle will have a flashing electronic sign on the rear window stating ‘Policia’ or ‘Guardia Civil’.
Real police will only ever ask you to present your vehicle documents, they will not ask you to had over other personal possessions such as a bag or wallet.
The Foreign Office also warns: “Demonstrations, political gatherings or marches can take place with little or no warning, particularly in cities. Follow the advice of police and local authorities.” Over the past months, many cities in Spain have witness increased unrest from residents due to the rising levels of tourists at some of the country’s most beautiful destinations.
“While most demonstrations are peaceful, there is a risk of unrest or violence. If you’re near areas where demonstrations are taking place, be aware of what is happening around you and move away if there are signs of disorder,” they added.