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If I had to carry a laptop for my work, which I cannot afford to lose, obviously, I would stay in a hotel. Just a - personal - thought....Unfortunately, t2andreo, some of us don't have the luxury of leaving work when doing the Camino and require a tablet or laptop. As to the increased visibility, hence the alarm
Fair enough.A $300 tablet is less than most phones cost, so what's the real difference? I carried one last year without incident, staying mostly in albergues. The cost doesn't justify the extra expense of staying in a hotel.
Unfortunately, t2andreo, some of us don't have the luxury of leaving work when doing the Camino and require a tablet or laptop. As to the increased visibility, hence the alarm
Butm, 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.
I like the small bell idea
Thanks for the Info. Where there's a will, there's a way. If you don't want to lose it, keep it close.Another member sent this article to me this morning...
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.
No, that means putting your rucksack on the bed/bunk - not allowed!It's not new, these sorts of thieves were already at it in 2014.
I suggest using your backpack and trousers as pillows.
I don’t think pilgrims carrying too much makes the crime of stealing any more justifiable, surely! And given Spain is part of the first world, it would be a national shame if there were many living under the poverty line, with no other means of survival than stealing!!!!Pilgrims should carry less stuff anyway... tablets or laptops... seriously? I am not judging. But when one makes the decision to bring these items, they must understand the overall added theft risk as well as the general invisibility.
No, of course it does not. Nevertheless, carrying something valuable like a laptop, a tablet or large amounts of cash would be more tempting to a thief than just having a rucksack full of dirty clothes, wouldn’t it?I don’t think pilgrims carrying too much makes the crime of stealing any more justifiable, surely!
I wanted to suggest to all the members and other pilgrims not to believe 100% this kind of information.. people tend to be sensationalist with these issues. even if its true this information posted above, in all the albergues we keep a record of every pilgrim and that information goes every day through an app in our computer to the police. We know who is sleeping here every night. so the police which is very professional in spain can proceed to investigate. If something happen , it is easy to investigate and most of the time the robbers have been caught.
No worries but like in every part of the world, keep your most important belongings close to you. Even well educated people and with wealthy life , can suffer of kleptomania. If something happens, we have to call the police, that´s it.
Buen Camino.
This sounds good but most alburgues do not want kits on the bed. One such thief was in out alburgue room with about a half dozen others than myself and a fellow pilgrim awoke and blew a whistle awakening all of us. The thief ran and was not caught.It's not new, these sorts of thieves were already at it in 2014.
I suggest using your backpack and trousers as pillows.
what a good idea to sleep with a whistle nearby.This sounds good but most alburgues do not want kits on the bed. One such thief was in out alburgue room with about a half dozen others than myself and a fellow pilgrim awoke and blew a whistle awakening all of us. The thief ran and was not caught.
A peregrina I walked with a few years ago left her rucksack outside on the steps of the Cathedral in Santiago, since she wasn’t allowed in with it. Someone remarked it wasn’t safe, it could be stolen and she had the same words as you: “they’re welcome to it!!’ (It was an old bagpack that had been a pain to walk with and only contained her few very worn clothes...)They're welcome to my stuff.
I did similar way. I put every valuable things in small bag and put the bag inside of my sleeping bag. So far so good. But there is no absolute solution~I’ve been doing this for 50+ years.
I used to make my own little bags, and also used a small leather pouch from the Gambia - a gift from a friend in the late 60s. I slept in my bag on beaches, in hostels, in tents ... anywhere flat(ish). No mobiles or cardsJust cash, travellers’ cheques and passport ... life was so much simpler
Much gentler on the senses than an alarm
How to silence them, though, if rising early and trying to avoid waking others who are still sleeping?
Another member sent this article to me this morning...
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.
It's not new, these sorts of thieves were already at it in 2014.
I suggest using your backpack and trousers as pillows.
Out of curiosity, would the decathalon fanny pak accommodate Brierley’s book and a larger phone? I have yet to come across a waist pack that is generous enough so my guide book isn’t dog-eared! Like others, I sleep better simply knowing all important items are on me in the sleepsack!Another member sent this article to me this morning...
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.
Do these thieves operate on all routes or are there specific routes they target??Short answer...YES! I just put a current version (2018) Brierely Camino Frances guide, and my iPhone Xr in a protective case, in the bag with room to spare.
Hope this helps
Possibly it was one of the factors but I doubt it was a significant one. The earliest pilgrim accounts speak of dangers significantly greater than petty theft which don't seem to have deterred pilgrims too much. I suspect much greater factors in the decline of the pilgrimage were the Reformation and the loss of the relics of St. James (they went missing in the 16th century and were only found again in the late 19th century). When the ostensible purpose of the Camino is to be with the relics and they aren't there and haven't been for hundreds of years, people will get out of the habit of going to visit them. Or so it seems to me.possibly this was one of the determinants that the Camino practically was abandoned during several centuries. Today, we might perfectly well be entering the cycle that the Camino "will die of success", the more scoundrels pass through it, the fewer pilgrims will go through it and we will enter into a spiral that, like a black hole, will engulf the Camino.
Do these thieves operate on all routes or are there specific routes they target??
And some don’t have the luxury of taking their ‘work’ with them.Unfortunately, t2andreo, some of us don't have the luxury of leaving work when doing the Camino and require a tablet or laptop. As to the increased visibility, hence the alarm
Another member sent this article to me this morning...
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.
To wake me, I’d need a huge dinner gong. LolI like the small bell idea
PacSafe 55 Secure Protector for Backpack or Bag https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B000FGVFP8/?tag=casaivar-21Another member sent this article to me this morning...
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.
Same here -- I learned all these precautions here on the Forum, and never had anything stolen.Cash, debit card, credit card, passport, credential and iPhone are my only valuables and I wear them in a small belly bag. The bag is the last thing off after I enter shower and the first thing back on even tho I’m still damp. I follow this procedure in private accommodations as well as in the occasional albergue. I wear it when I sleep; it’s never off except for showering and then it is with me. I sleep in a sleep sack that encases the phone so that when I read myself to sleep, the phone falls within the confines of the sack. Everything else that goes with me is replaceable and I take nothing that I can’t afford to lose. I learned these guidelines right here on the forum before I ever took my first step on a Camino and they have become second nature in all of my travels.
This is the end of the story. I have been doing Caminoes since 2011, nothing ever stolen but few thing left behind. I have only met one pilgrim personally who told me about being robbed and it was one of those purses one puts around their neck; it was cut off of him while he slept and he was pretty who the perp was. Follow the rule to keep everything valuable on you all of the time and all you might lose is pair of socks off the drying lineShaggy dog story, rumours, Chinese whispers.
Of all the people reading this who have walked 1 or more Camino's, how many of you have left your phones and/or money in your rucksack? How many of you have known other people to do this? In my experience people keep their valuables very close by. Phones are always charging in the bedrooms.
These thieves must go around with the very best infrared night vision goggles so they don’t wake anyone.
It’s virtually impossible to walk around a room you are not familiar with in the pitch dark without waking someone.
etc. etc. etc.
Such as stuff plastic shopping bags at the top of all pack pockets. They seem to wake everyone up from a dead sleep. LOLOLOL!!!!Anything that makes noise when someone tries to rifle your stuff will do the trick.
Shaggy dog story, rumours, Chinese whispers.
Of all the people reading this who have walked 1 or more Camino's, how many of you have left your phones and/or money in your rucksack? How many of you have known other people to do this? In my experience people keep their valuables very close by. Phones are always charging in the bedrooms.
These thieves must go around with the very best infrared night vision goggles so they don’t wake anyone.
It’s virtually impossible to walk around a room you are not familiar with in the pitch dark without waking someone.
etc. etc. etc.
This won't do much good. If you read the blurb you have to pull the top, which means you have to be present and awake to activate it, in which case you could just yell and wake everyone up.Something worth considering for those who can't sleep with their things (e.g., tablets or laptops).
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0721CK6RB/?tag=casaivar02-20
I lost a pair of underwear off the drying line this year. lolThis is the end of the story. I have been doing Caminoes since 2011, nothing ever stolen but few thing left behind. I have only met one pilgrim personally who told me about being robbed and it was one of those purses one puts around their neck; it was cut off of him while he slept and he was pretty who the perp was. Follow the rule to keep everything valuable on you all of the time and all you might lose is pair of socks off the drying line
Me, tooI like the small bell idea
I normally use a Pacsafe exomesh bag when I travel. It's been great when I've needed to carry a backpack on crowded subways (like DF in Mexico or Shanghai), for locking up my valuables in dubious hotel rooms, or to secure my possessions while sleeping in a train station or airport. I'll have it in Europe, where I'm likely to be using bag storage or bag check in cities. Since it weighs a pound, I'll send it home with my companion before I fly to Biarritz.PacSafe 55 Secure Protector for Backpack or Bag https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B000FGVFP8/?tag=casaivar-21
Thank you for posting. So sad to hear that something like this has been happening. It happened couple times in Norte. Dampens my spirit.Another member sent this article to me this morning...
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.
Carried an Ipad with me last year. Left my cell with my wife stateside and needed internet access. Used as a camera also. It resided in my sleeping bag at night, along with wallet and other valuables. But, I traveled with friends and part of the time spent in private rooms.Something worth considering for those who can't sleep with their things (e.g., tablets or laptops).
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0721CK6RB/?tag=casaivar02-20
And credit cards/cash/passport should you not bring those either !Pilgrims should carry less stuff anyway... tablets or laptops... seriously? I am not judging. But when one makes the decision to bring these items, they must understand the overall added theft risk as well as the general invisibility.
I always kept valuables in my sleeping bag at my feet. That was way back in 2010.Another member sent this article to me this morning...
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.
The odds of these things happening are low....but do not fall into the trap of thinking that the camino is any different than real life elsewhere. The days of the camino being free from crime and trouble is long past.
Many of us are greatly saddened...but there it is.
And credit cards/cash/passport should you not bring those either !
Generally good advice. I'm glad I brought my son, though.never bring anything on the camino that you cannot afford to lose.
Please explain how I should pay and identify myself???And credit cards/cash/passport should you not bring those either !
The problem is not what we carry, the problem is that we all need to be safe as well as our belongings!Pilgrims should carry less stuff anyway... tablets or laptops... seriously? I am not judging. But when one makes the decision to bring these items, they must understand the overall added theft risk as well as the general invisibility.
Another member sent this article to me this morning...
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.
I have often kept valuables in my backpack and I have seen phones being charged unattended everywhere. I believe that a thief will always find a way. In Amsterdam a wellknown trick for pickpockets is to walk around signs saying 'beware of pickpockets'. A lot of people check their wallets and phones when they see that sign, so the thief knows exactly where to aim for. So every thief on the Camino will know to aim for sleeping bag bottoms and fanny packs.Of all the people reading this who have walked 1 or more Camino's, how many of you have left your phones and/or money in your rucksack? How many of you have known other people to do this? In my experience people keep their valuables very close by. Phones are always charging in the bedrooms.
Another member sent this article to me this morning...
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.
Window alarms.Anything that makes noise when someone tries to rifle your stuff will do the trick.
I carry a (separate) copy of my passport with me and I am pretty cautious with my phone.
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