Theft on Camino.

[Michael Ylias]

My wife and I have recently completed our second Camino (Frances), and have had a wonderful experience (again). There were so many positives I do not know where to start to share. Unfortunately, there was one very disappointing incident whilst walking.
We had stopped at a bar. Whilst I went to the bathroom, my wife went to the counter to order and placed her wallet on the counter whilst looking at the menu. The female bar owner called out an order to another person which made my wife look around. Upon turning back, the wallet was gone. There was only one other person in the bar at the time who was nowhere near the counter. After we searched everywhere the bar owner tried to put the blame on another Pilgrim, even though there was no-one else nearby. She showed a distinct lack of concern.
Obviously, the bar owner had a greater need for the money (90 Euros) than us and was prepared to steal it. Fortunately there were no credit cards within. It seemed more than an opportunistic occurrence. It was calculated and brazen.
This was very upsetting and in total contrast to all the other experiences we had on the Camino Frances. We are still shocked when we recall it. I am writing this post to warn others to be extremely attentive to their wallets/purses when entering bars.

Edited by moderator to remove all references that would identify a specific place or person. Please be aware that we cannot allow defamatory statements to be made on the forum. The correct procedure if a crime is suspected is to report to the Guardia Civil.

 

[Saint Mike II]

My wife and I have recently completed our second Camino (Frances), and have had a wonderful experience (again). There were so many positives I do not know where to start to share. Unfortunately, there was one very disappointing incident whilst walking.
We had stopped at a bar.
Edited by moderator to remove all references that would identify a specific place or person. Please be aware that we cannot allow defamatory statements to be made on the forum. The correct procedure if a crime is suspected is to report to the Guardia Civil.

Dear moderator - unfortunately a large number of us who have seen the original post (unedited) know the village and the establishment and anyone else can PM the OP and be advised of the establishment. But I do take your point - even when there is only one obvious culprit/perpetrator one should refrain from identifying the establishment, but I do think you can nominate the village or a short section of the camino. Cheers

 

[AJ]

but I do think you can nominate the village or a short section of the camino. Cheers

What would be the point?

 

[dougfitz]

Dear moderator - unfortunately a large number of us who have seen the original post (unedited) know the village and the establishment and anyone else can PM the OP and be advised of the establishment.

@Saint Mike II. then I hope that you have given due consideration to the possibility that this sort of 'he says, she says' story, where one of the parties has no opportunity to respond, is little more than a warning to be careful about the security of one's personal possessions at all times. If the OP had indicated that the theft had been reported to the local police, the story might have more credence here, and the report gone to establish whether there was a wider pattern of thefts at a particular establishment.

 

[Saint Mike II]

What would be the point?

The point is that there have been an increased amount of comments/posts about theft (on the various Caminos) and a like number of warnings to be on guard in the albergues. This theft (as originally reported) was not in an albergue but in a cafe and as there were (as originally reported) no other pilgrims around the finger of suspicion was pointed at the cafe proprietor. Again by indicating the village or a section of the Camino would give following pilgrims the chance of further protecting themselves in cafes and bars.

 

[Michael Caleigh]

It is always bad when ones get belongings get stolen. I must say that I would never leave my wallet on a bar in any place in the world.
Only thing I can say here is that the OP has learned a lesson.

 

[ivar]

I am sorry that this happened to the OP (original poster). Thank you for letting us know that this did happen to you (I agree that it is best not to share any names of towns and businesses). Since we now know, I will close the thread... since going more into details on this is not really necessary.

Greetings from a rainy Santiago,
Ivar