The Greek Police, in view of the celebration of Easter, reminds of useful tips in order to prevent thefts and protect the property of citizens who will be absent from their homes.

EL.AS also gives advice on the duration of your trip. Particularly:

Leaving home:

  • Before you leave for vacation make sure the doors and windows of your home are well secured.
  • Inform of your absence only to relatives and friends or neighbors you trust, so that they can supervise your home and, if there are particularly serious reasons, the Police Department of your area.
  • Don’t leave notes about when you’ll be back or how long you’ll be gone.
  • Don’t leave messages outside the door or mailboxes overflowing with papers and magazines on the landing. They are “barks” of your absence. Also avoid leaving ladders, furniture or other bulky things in your garden, which will help the would-be attacker to climb.
  • Your house or apartment should not look “completely closed”, thus indicating your absence.
  • If possible, install an automatic light timer.
  • Activate the alarm system, if present.
  • Do not leave large sums of money or valuables in your home.
  • In the event that you are informed by your neighbors, friends or relatives that they notice something suspicious in your home, do not hesitate to notify “100” or the Police Department of your area.
  • In case of theft, notify “100” or your local Security Department.

On the journey:

  • Never leave a purse, wallet, money, credit cards, sunglasses, motorcycle or car keys exposed, wherever you are.
  • Never leave your luggage unaccompanied unless you can secure it in a reception area.
  • If you travel by public transport, do not carry large sums of money with you.
  • Carry out your transactions at ATMs with great care and discretion.
  • If you use your own means of transport (car or motorcycle), do not leave valuables in it or place them in a non-visible place.
  • Never leave your bike or car keys on them, even if you are going to be gone for a short time.
  • Always make sure to park on streets, if possible well lit at night and never in deserted places. In any case, do not forget to activate the alarm system, if you have one.

In accommodation:

  • Insure the hotel room or rented room – apartment where you are staying, even if you are away for a short time, when you leave.
  • Ensure that money or valuables that you will not need on your way out are placed in a safe place in your accommodation.

In entertainment:

  • In your entertainment in Centers – Bars – Cafes – Restaurants – outdoor events, never leave your wallet, sunglasses, mobile phone, keys exposed on a table, as well as your cardigan or jacket, bag or waist bag on or hanging from adjacent seats.

Remember: If you lose or have anything stolen or if your place of residence is broken into, notify the Police immediately (100).