Arrest on suspicion of theft at Ponferrada

Wokabaut_Meri · Aug 12, 2016

This report of an arrest of a person on suspicion of theft from San Nicolas de Flue Albergue was published on the Radio Bierzo website and tweeted by Polícia Nacional account @policia.

Among the items recovered which were stolen in recent days was a mobile phone allegedly stolen from a pilgrim.

xin loi · Aug 12, 2016

When walking the Camino in 2014, we were surprised that no one ever reported any electronics stolen as people left electronic junk out recharging all night.

But clothes went missing all of the time. At one albergue someone stole my underwear from the communal clothes line and another guys pants and another guys jacket. At another albergue ALL clothes left on the line after dark disappeared. And of course, the early risers were constantly cleaning out the communal refrigerators when they left, taking wine, sandwiches, etc that belonged to the people still sleeping.

kayagee66 · Aug 13, 2016

xin loi said:
When walking the Camino in 2014, we were surprised that no one ever reported any electronics stolen as people left electronic junk out recharging all night.

But clothes went missing all of the time. At one albergue someone stole my underwear from the communal clothes line and another guys pants and another guys jacket. At another albergue ALL clothes left on the line after dark disappeared. And of course, the early risers were constantly cleaning out the communal refrigerators when they left, taking wine, sandwiches, etc that belonged to the people still sleeping.

Rings no bells.

Malabar Circle AS · Aug 13, 2016

kayagee66 said:
Rings no bells.

Rings no bells but makes lotsa sense. Mostly such things do happen in municipal albergues, in smaller, private (more expensive) albergues you stand at least a sporting chance

Tincatinker · Aug 13, 2016

Malabar Circle AS said:
... Mostly such things do happen in municipal albergues, in smaller, private (more expensive) albergues you stand at least a sporting chance

"Mostly" the thefts in Ponferrada were from small private (very expensive) camper-vans in the car-park out-side the Albergue. Beware of assumptions. Your possessions are as safe as you choose to make them. Keep your valuables with you at all times. The rest is just stuff - replacement under-pants are available extensively.

Malabar Circle AS · Aug 13, 2016

Tincatinker said:
"Mostly" the thefts in Ponferrada were from small private (very expensive) camper-vans in the car-park out-side the Albergue. Beware of assumptions. Your possessions are as safe as you choose to make them. Keep your valuables with you at all times. The rest is just stuff - replacement under-pants are available extensively.

Was referring to a general situation, not specifically to Ponferrada. It is a fact though, that thefts are more common in municipal albergues, same as bedbugs. Obviously there's always the exception that confirms the rule. Then again, you are right, valuables should not be left unattended.

C clearly · Aug 13, 2016

I just wanted to put in a good word for Ponferrada! I stayed 2 nights at Albergue Guiana (almost luxurious!) there during Easter week, and saw several processions including Good Friday. Even made a day trip to Las Medulas. It was an interesting and enjoyable 2-day stay that changed my earlier impression acquired from walking through the city.

brian560 · Aug 14, 2016

I was comfortable with my stuff being safe throughout the Camino. Ironically, the only thing I lost was a drybag in a laundry in a private hostel in Muxia. Obvioulsy the thief was not afraid of divine retribution once pasr SDC

stewartza · Aug 14, 2016

Tincatinker said:
"Mostly" the thefts in Ponferrada were from small private (very expensive) camper-vans in the car-park out-side the Albergue. Beware of assumptions. Your possessions are as safe as you choose to make them. Keep your valuables with you at all times. The rest is just stuff - replacement under-pants are available extensively.

I had to buy a couple of pairs recently after I had my clothes stolen from the washing line. The cheapest (€2,50), and actually good quality were from the Chinese bazaar. There seems to be one in every town.

Deleted member 43780 · Aug 17, 2016

xin loi said:
When walking the Camino in 2014, we were surprised that no one ever reported any electronics stolen as people left electronic junk out recharging all night.

But clothes went missing all of the time. At one albergue someone stole my underwear from the communal clothes line and another guys pants and another guys jacket. At another albergue ALL clothes left on the line after dark disappeared. And of course, the early risers were constantly cleaning out the communal refrigerators when they left, taking wine, sandwiches, etc that belonged to the people still sleeping.

xin loi, I remember someone stealing all of the clothes off the line in Los Arcos. About the same time frame you are talking about.
I slept outside in a tent. Did not hear a thing. Woke up and many were talking about all the clothes left out over night were gone.

Also, remember the food being stolen at the same A'berg in Los Arco.

Pabloke · Aug 22, 2016

Malabar Circle AS said:
Was referring to a general situation, not specifically to Ponferrada. It is a fact though, that thefts are more common in municipal albergues, same as bedbugs. Obviously there's always the exception that confirms the rule. Then again, you are right, valuables should not be left unattended.

I have used public and parish albergues from Pamplona to Santiago, the only private ones were in Hospital de Orbigo (delightful place) and Santiago de Compostela. I must admit that I only care for such things in the largest albergues (as Ponferrada's) where you can't 'control' everybody. I've left my phone charging while I went to buy food many times and never had a problem.

Lucky? May be. I believe in pilgrims and I believe that it's easier getting help than being stolen.

As for clothes, I think that, maybe, people make mistakes and takes items thinking they are taking theirs. Some mornings I needed an extra time to recognise my own shoes amongst others.

Kurtinayurt · Tuesday at 3:58 PM

Reports of money missing from a few wallets at Rocanvelles this afternoon. Money was taken, but the wallets/purses were not. Police have been called. Stay safe!

Cotopaxi · Friday at 8:28 PM

Hi everyone, I am a 30 y.o. female travelling solo. Planning to walk Camino Ingles in May, but since it's the least popular route I'm a bit worried in terms of how safe it is. I walked Frances...

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