A careful reading of this thread reveals only one "first person" experience
It is a good illustration of how one person's experience can spin almost into an urban myth. It is good to have the post because it reminds us of the need for caution, but crime is simply not widespread, and the police have a vital interest in protecting pilgrims. Think about the 35E per day pilgrims spend for somewhere between a week and five weeks. That is a lot of money going directly to service providers in small villages and cities!
Another example, far more widespread, is the bed race. We all feel the pressure, but one person posting about having a problem in one place for one night simply ignores the 190,000 other pilgrims annually who always find a bed every night! Quite frankly, you have to be doing something wrong to sleep outdoors (unless you want to). As irritating as lines outside
albergues might be at 2 p.m., it does not mean anything except some pilgrims stopped walking before an
albergue has even opened. After the initial crush there may be unfilled beds for the night. There is the illusion that conditions are crowded, but it is only an illusion. I have spoken to hundreds of pilgrims who walk during all times of the year who never reserve, and never have a problem getting a bed.
There is a harshness to the written word that conceals the true content. It probably is always wise to read posts with a critical eye whether it reports an interesting one-time event, or if there is a wider information content. For example, someone reports a bad experience with an
albergue. Does it report a chronic condition, or a single event? If it is chronic, say no plumbing or electricity, then it is data that can be used to make an informed decision. If it is a grumpy volunteer
hospitalero, the problem will go away in a short while!
Back to the subject of crime, it will happen sometimes. Keep that in mind, but do not walk in fear. The
caminos are safe.
