- Time of past OR future Camino
- 2013 - 2018 , Pilgrim Office volunteer 2014 - 2022
Another member sent this article to me this morning...
While the original is in Spanish, here, in English, is my short version translation describing a new thievery modus operandi that should alert everyone staying in an albergue. According to the article above:
1. A pilgrim arrives at an albergue with a properly stamped credencial and is assigned a bed.
2. The pilgrim does everything the other pilgrims do, and "goes to sleep."
3. In the middle of the night, @ 02:00, the false pilgrim quietly gets up and opens the door admitting a group of compatriots.
4. Within about five minutes, the group goes through all rucksacks and loose items removing valuables.
5. The thieves quietly depart the albergue.
6. They head down the road and repeat the same scam again, the next day...
7. It was reported in the original story that only three such thefts in one area yielded some 20 smartphones and €6,000 (SIX THOUSAND) Euro... YIKES!
This "Trojan Horse" offense is VERY dangerous. If they wake up an aggressive pilgrim, violence could occur.
Short of an overnight watch on each albergue door, or a sounding alarm when the door is open after hours (even shop bells would work), I do not know what can be done, off-hand to stop this. Perhaps connecting small cat bells to your rucksack to make noise if the rucksack is jostled might help.
But, IMHO, the single easiest and cheapest method is to place a bag containing ALL your valuables, phone, cards and cash in your sleep sack or sleeping bag with you. Personally, a small very soft fanny pak, or bum bag might be even better as it is strapped to you. This can be worn at the waist or cross chest. Decathlon make a splendid version for only €4,99.
Or, this slightly larger day bag, that collapses very small:
Hope this helps and that this problem does not befall you.
Camino de Santiago
Bienvenido a la Web de la Federación Española de Asociaciones de Amigos del Camino de Santiago. Todo sobre el Camino de Santiago, información, guías, descripción, planos, consejos, albergues, hospitaleros, noticias, Asociaciones de Amigos del Camino.
www.caminosantiago.org
While the original is in Spanish, here, in English, is my short version translation describing a new thievery modus operandi that should alert everyone staying in an albergue. According to the article above:
1. A pilgrim arrives at an albergue with a properly stamped credencial and is assigned a bed.
2. The pilgrim does everything the other pilgrims do, and "goes to sleep."
3. In the middle of the night, @ 02:00, the false pilgrim quietly gets up and opens the door admitting a group of compatriots.
4. Within about five minutes, the group goes through all rucksacks and loose items removing valuables.
5. The thieves quietly depart the albergue.
6. They head down the road and repeat the same scam again, the next day...
7. It was reported in the original story that only three such thefts in one area yielded some 20 smartphones and €6,000 (SIX THOUSAND) Euro... YIKES!
This "Trojan Horse" offense is VERY dangerous. If they wake up an aggressive pilgrim, violence could occur.
Short of an overnight watch on each albergue door, or a sounding alarm when the door is open after hours (even shop bells would work), I do not know what can be done, off-hand to stop this. Perhaps connecting small cat bells to your rucksack to make noise if the rucksack is jostled might help.
But, IMHO, the single easiest and cheapest method is to place a bag containing ALL your valuables, phone, cards and cash in your sleep sack or sleeping bag with you. Personally, a small very soft fanny pak, or bum bag might be even better as it is strapped to you. This can be worn at the waist or cross chest. Decathlon make a splendid version for only €4,99.
Riñonera Viaje Forclaz Ultra Compacta Azul
| Nuestros diseñadores backpackers han creado esta bolsa riñonera compacta para llevar lo imprescindible para salidas de exploración de un día.
www.decathlon.es
Or, this slightly larger day bag, that collapses very small:
Mochila Montaña Trekking Viaje Quechua Ultracompacta 10 Litros Azul
| Nuestros diseñadores backpackers han creado esta mochila compacta para llevar lo imprescindible para salidas de exploración de un día.
www.decathlon.es
Hope this helps and that this problem does not befall you.
Last edited: