Theft, Vandalism and Scams in Accommodation Units
Recommendations and strange behaviors
Accompanying
the significant growth in the number of local accommodation units in recent
years, the number of complaints and reports to the Portuguese authorities
regarding acts of vandalism, theft (assault) and violence towards this type of
accommodation has also grown.
Thus, it is
convenient that the owners and their employees pay attention to:
- Be aware
of what goes on in the apartments (as they are before they are occupied,
namely, cleaning, tidiness, furniture condition and exposed articles)
- If you
notice something strange in the messages that precede the reservation, you must
inform the authorities.
- One-night
reservations. There are reports of reservations by a guest with false identity
for one night, after which several people stayed and the accommodation was
vandalized or the equipment was stolen.
During check-in, be aware of:
- Strange behaviour
at check-in.
- Appearing
a different check-in person than the person who booked is a sign that something
may not be right; be especially attentive to groups.
- The Guest
makes a reservation (and pays for a stay) for 3 people but at check-in only 1
person appears, and explains that he only gives his identification data, since
he is still not sure if the other guests can come. And that, if they come,
later you will send your documentation.
- Always
request official documentation from all foreign guests (passport in the case of
non-European citizens; Passport or National Identification in the case of
European citizens).
- Whenever
possible, communicate the arrival of guests to SEF on the same day of arrival.
- Do not
host people who refuse to show their identification document.
- Inform
the authorities if guest refuses to show identification.
- Do not
accept offers such as packages and envelopes from guests you do not know.
- Do not
accept to keep luggage in your care.
- Do not
accept that guests receive correspondence at your address.
- Inform
the authority if you arrive at an apartment after the end of the reservation
and notice that the apartment was not used for sleeping.
- Inform
the authorities when you find abandoned luggage or guests with strange behaviour.
- If you
suspect something is not right, and don't take any chances, ask for a deposit,
refuse or call the authorities.
- Many
tourists, as a distraction, do not lock their doors or close the windows of
their apartments. It is necessary to sensitize and advise guests to take basic
actions such as closing doors and windows tightly, especially if they are on
the ground floor and on the first floor, as well as accommodation will provide
a safe for guests to store your belongings.
- Avoid
cash payments and payment requests at check-in when booking the hotel. Choose
to receive payments through electronic platforms, or other electronic means in
advance and at the time of booking.
Certainly,
most situations will have no reason to be, but It brings to mind the old Portuguese
proverb, “prevention is better than cure”.
- 06 February 2020