Arrests made near Sevilla thanks to Canadian pilgrim

[peregrina2000]

Articles in both La Vanguardia, http://www.lavanguardia.com/54388480189/index.html and the ABC provincial Andalucian edition, http://m.abcdesevilla.es/provincia/20131005/sevi-detenidos-robar-peregrino-camino-201310051223.html describe how a Canadian pilgrim was attacked near Camas (not far from Sevilla) by two men on bicycle. They took money, camera, etc. He was able to get the attention of a passer-by, communicate what happened, and the police caught the two of them.

The articles go on to say that the police suspect that these are the same two people responsible for the other attacks near Guillena that we have described on this forum, because the method was the same and the robbers even wore the same clothing described by the victims of this year's four incidents.

Although the article does not state this, I'm wondering if it is possible that the Guardia Civil patrol at the Guillena location that forum member sirjohnharrington described made the robbers look for this new location.

So, though it is still not all confirmed nor has anyone been found guilty, this is very good news indeed.

 

[karenfromcali]

Very glad to hear they have been caught.

 

[jirit]

This is good news to learn

 

[piogaw]

Hello laurie,

Thanks for making us aware of the good news. Hopefully there won't be anymore robbery between sevilla and guillena.

Buen camino.

 

[Anniesantiago]

This is VERY good news! Thanks!

 

[crackmrmac]

H0la, This is reassuring news for all, however as usual pilgrims should stay alert. There will always be someone to take advantage be it at your workplace, neighbourhood or when you are beginning to feel elated as you take your first steps on Via de la Plata with your backpack. If all goes well I have time for five days from Seville to Monesterio at end of month. I suppose the message from this forum and establishments in Seville is to stay alert, travel in groups and alert fellow pilgrims to watch out for you.
Buen Camino.

 

[piogaw]

H0la, This is reassuring news for all, however as usual pilgrims should stay alert. There will always be someone to take advantage be it at your workplace, neighbourhood or when you are beginning to feel elated as you take your first steps on Via de la Plata with your backpack. If all goes well I have time for five days from Seville to Monesterio at end of month. I suppose the message from this forum and establishments in Seville is to stay alert, travel in groups and alert fellow pilgrims to watch out for you.
Buen Camino.

do stop by at the museo del jamon in monesterio to get a good education on jamon iberico. and be careful about crossing the arroyos (streams).

buen camino. god bless.

 

[Saint Mike II]

Yes it is great news - but what are the provincial authorities going to do to stop any repeat/copy-cat actions. Now I am aware of the current economic situation in Spain but that does not excuse robbing people - apparently at knife point(?). Hopefully the local police will mount some patrols along the more isolated sections of the first stage of the VDLP and put an end to this!!

 

[Espero]

Yes it is great news - but what are the provincial authorities going to do to stop any repeat/copy-cat actions. Now I am aware of the current economic situation in Spain but that does not excuse robbing people - apparently at knife point(?). Hopefully the local police will mount some patrols along the more isolated sections of the first stage of the VDLP and put an end to this!!

I think the police have done a good job, considering the circumstances and state of the Spanish economy. In reality, they cannot protect everyone, so safety must begin with the individual. Many sites, including this one, describe precautions to take for not becoming a victim. A prudent person would know, and practice, these tried and true methods. Stay safe and buen camino.

 

[crackmrmac]

May not have time for Museo del Jamon as need to get bus for Seville. This is usual for pilgrims. We walk through many interesting and historic places but often don't stop to visit................just like life.
Buen Camino.

 

[handzondeck2]

Excellent news. Still one should never let their guard down and newcomers should always remember that personal safety is paramount especially when walking this camino when there are not many crowds. Hopefully this incident won't ar the status of this camino as it is one of the most pleasant ones I have walked. I'm glad they caught the thieves. Buen camino to all who travel the road.

 

[ros1946]

Just wondering if there has been any more news about these robberies or if there have been any more incidents like this. I plan to start walking the first 100 km of the VdlP in early February and like to walk solo.

 

[peregrina2000]

From what I have heard from the Amigos in Sevilla, they are fairly confident that the perpetrators were the ones arrested. I have walked the Vdlp twice (solo female in my 60s) and have never had any moments of anxiety or worry. Be careful but not worried. Buen camino!!

 

[piogaw]

Just wondering if there has been any more news about these robberies or if there have been any more incidents like this. I plan to start walking the first 100 km of the VdlP in early February and like to walk solo.

Good luck ros1946, i walked last winter and started from sevilla on the 3rd of february all the way to sdc without any problems. As mentioned by peregrino2000 and information from peregrinos who reached sdc, there has not been any robberies committed at the start of the camino from sevilla or anywhere else on the vdlp.

Hope you will not have any problems with beds in the municipal albergues. Dress warm in layers.

Buen camino and god bless.