How to keep valuables safe whilst sleeping?

[iowakristy]

Hi,

I am doing the Camino in April this year, and will unfortunately have to bring my tablet with me.

I'm a heavy sleeper, and am wondering what the best way to secure it whilst sleeping in albergues would be?

 

[CaminoGen]

Put in in your sleeping bag, at your feet if you're worried.

 

[iowakristy]

Thank you for your reply!

I was thinking that that wouldn't necessarily be a good place, as it would be easy for somebody to just cut the bottom of the sleeping bag?

 

[jpflavin1]

Iowakristy:

I do not think that is likely. That said, if you are worried, maybe you should leave it at home.

Ultreya,
Joe

 

[Deleted member 3000]

it would be easy for somebody to just cut the bottom of the sleeping bag

If someone wants it that badly, it is as good as gone now! The downside of taking any equipment is that it will catch the eye of someone who wants it. Tablets are desirable items, so you will create a danger every time you use it. If that is an intolerable problem for your peace of mind, the only solution will be to leave it at home. You are going to have to take it to the shower with you, by the way, so bring moisture protection with you.

 

[MichaelB10398]

Rest assured that you are not the only one to bring a notebook or similar items on Camino. The Camino is a thing full of humanity from the best to the worst and everything in between. As someone said above, if there is a someone that is desperate to steal an item, it will be stolen. However, there are not a lot of those kinds of people on Camino. You will not need to bring a 2,000 pound safe requiring it being bolted down every evening to protect your valuables. However, you do need a modicum of common sense. Don't leave it lying about to tempt others or to lure a burgeoning criminal access to it. For me, I would keep it in the bottom of my backpack by my bed. However, I understand that this world is made of all types of individuals. Some live in a state of constant anxiety where they fear something bad will occur at every moment. Others don't worry as much; they take sensible precautions and realize that sometimes bad things will happen. If you need to bring it, then bring it. If you don't need to bring it, then leave it at home. You will not be the first person that has brought a similar item and returned home with it. Spain is a great place full of great people. The Camino is not a den of thieves, but just humans where most are on pilgrimage. Don't worry about it and enjoy your Camino.

 

[Deleted member 3000]

Anecdote: Jenna Bush, the daughter of President Dubya, walked the Camino from Lugo (or Sarria). Cell phones were in the process of becoming ubiquitous, so they were a lure to thieves. In a bar, a thief saw her cell phone on the table, not knowing who she was. He grabbed the phone, and before he could get anywhere near the door, two Secret Service agents had pinned him to the floor.

Moral: If you are worried about your valuables, take along the Secret Service.

 

[clearskiescamino]

I just happen to have one or two who will walk with me!

 

[WanderingChristian]

I'm sure she didn't have to carry her rucksack all over the Camino. I'm shocked her parents let her go, seeing as how it was a huge security risk and logistical nightmare. The Secret Service would have tried to blend in; but some of what they carry (radios, badges, weapons, etc) would have made it a little obvious who this peregrina was.

 

[David]

The Camino is where you learn to live without fear - a skill and a joy that will last you at least one lifetime.

Either bring what you have and be willing to lose it - so no fear - or leave it behind.

The Camino is a friendly place, full of friendly people, but every garden has at least one serpent :|

so go, happily and content - all is well -no one will cut the end of your sleeping bag open, all is well.

Buen Camino :wink: