Outdoor Pool Thefts: Warning Against Careless Handling of Valuables

The summer temperatures are driving thousands of people to Austria's outdoor and natural pools. But while bathers enjoy the cool down, thieves see their chance, because: smartphones, cash, jewelry, and the like are often carelessly left at the sunbathing spot. "Opportunity makes the thief – and these are exactly the opportunities we want to highlight," explains Dr. Armin Kaltenegger, head of the property protection department at KFV. Surveys from the past swimming season showed that at 33 percent of the sunbathing spots examined, unattended valuables were lying around – including smartphones, tablets, watches, and even jewelry. "As we know from a previous survey, about one-sixth of the bathers surveyed have already been victims of swimming theft once or more," says Kaltenegger. 

Protective Measures Against Theft: What Really Helps?

The most effective protection is quite simple: valuables that are not needed should ideally be left at home. "Storing valuables in the car is a popular measure for keeping valuables, but it is anything but safe. "Valuables left in the car increase the likelihood of a break-in and thus the potential damage," says Kaltenegger. Those who do not want to do without their phone, watch, and other valuables should definitely store them in a locker before swimming. If something is stolen at the swimming spot, the affected individuals are always liable themselves. However, if the stolen items were locked in a locker, the affected individuals and the pool operator are usually jointly liable. Where there are no lockers, some resort to seemingly clever alternatives: disguised hiding places like hollow hairbrushes, sunscreen tubes, or fake water bottles. But Kaltenegger warns: "These gadgets are also known to thieves and at best offer psychological protection." 

Proper Behavior in Case of Loss or Theft 

Anyone who notices the loss of a valuable item should ideally contact the staff or pool operator immediately. They can check if a lost item has been handed in. In the event of theft, a report must be filed. Tips from other guests can help clarify the course of events.

(Red)

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