Swimming without danger: how Ukrainians can protect themselves from criminals in the pools of Slovakia

Summer is a time of rest, relaxation and pleasant moments in swimming pools. However, according to the Slovak police, criminals do not stay away this season either. They use human weaknesses and carelessness to steal personal belongings, money, mobile phones and other valuables from vacationers.

The Slovak police warns Ukrainians and their citizens about the need to be careful and observe basic safety rules. How to avoid such unpleasant situations and ensure a safe vacation for yourself and your family?

Preventive measures for safe recreation

1. Take only the essentials with you. Leave valuables, documents and large sums of money at home. This will significantly reduce the risk of losing important items. Even if you have a favorite watch or jewelry, it’s best to leave them at home to avoid becoming an attractive target for criminals.
2. Use cabinets to store things. Many pools have storage lockers. Always lock them and make sure they are securely closed. This greatly reduces the risk of theft, as criminals are often looking for easy targets.
3. Waterproof covers for valuables. If you must take your phone or wallet with you, use waterproof cases. So you can keep things with you even in water, which will make them inaccessible to thieves.
4. Group vacation. Go to the pool with friends or family. You will be able to look at each other’s things, which will make it much more difficult for criminals. In addition, in case of suspicious behavior of strangers, you can always ask for help from your loved ones.
5. Attention to others. Be attentive to others. If you notice suspicious behavior, it is best to report it to the pool staff or directly to the police by calling 158 toll-free.
6. Distribution of values. If you have several valuables, separate them between different storage locations. This will reduce the risk of losing everything at once. For example, you can leave part of the money in the car, and take part with you to the pool.
7. Write down the serial numbers of valuables in advance. This will help the police in case of theft. Write down the serial numbers of your phones, watches and other valuables and keep them separate.
8. Pool reviews. Before visiting a new pool, read reviews. If there are frequent thefts in it, it is better to choose another place for recreation. Trust the experience of other visitors and make your choice based on their recommendations.

Additional security measures

Slovak police warn of the need to be attentive and careful when relaxing in public places, such as swimming pools. In case of theft or suspicious behavior of third parties, law enforcement officers recommend calling the emergency service number – 158. The sooner the application is submitted, the greater the probability of returning the stolen items and apprehending the criminals.

Correct actions in case of theft

If you have become a victim of theft, it is important to know how to act correctly:

1. Don’t panic. Keep calm and don’t despair.
2. Ask the pool staff. Report the incident and ask for help.
3. Call the police. Call 158 immediately and describe the situation in detail.
4. Write down all the details. Make a note of the time, place and circumstances of the theft, as well as any suspicious persons you may have seen.
5. Contact insurance companies. If you have valuables insurance, notify your insurance company of the incident.

Safety while relaxing in the pool depends on your attentiveness and following simple rules. Following these recommendations will help you reduce the risk of theft and enjoy a worry-free summer vacation. Remember that it is better to prevent a problem than to deal with its consequences later. Enjoy a safe and pleasant vacation!