Sleeping with valuables

[rickyt]

I have read various posts about carrying your valuables, such as money, passports, etc, while walking, showering, etc but what do people do while asleep? Do you continue to wear them? Are they safe in your pack overnight? Just trying to figure out the logistics of it all as it relates to communal sleeping arrangements. Thanks in advance

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I carry all my valuables in a waist bag which goes at the bottom of my sleeping bag in the albergues. My feet keep watch over them all night long for me.

 

[mspath]

Like many other pilgrims I slept with my valuables within my sleeping bag in a pouch beneath me and NEVER told anyone where they were!!

 

[trecile]

Are they safe in your pack overnight?

No, mine are in my sleep sack with me. Never in my backpack!

 

[C clearly]

Mine are in my sleeping bag, but not at the very bottom by my feet.

 

[RJM]

I sleep wearing the shorts I'm wearing to walk in the next day. My travel wallet is in the shorts pocket, which has a zipper. I sleep pretty heavily on the Camino. I never even notice it in my pocket. My phone is switched off and deep inside my pack. All my stuff would have to be removed to get it.

 

[markie6]

I take a pillow case from home , better sleep and somewhere I can keep my wallet , passport and phone under my head should I need.

Theft is rare on the camino and while we often start alone we also find ourselves with people we begin to trust a bit. Passport , phone , wallet or purse can all fit at the bottom of your sleeping bag or perhaps in the small bag you often get with your micro towel and leave it under your pillow while asleep

Be sensible with your valuables , same as you would sitting on a bus / train at home

 

[natefaith]

While rare, there have been incidents of packs being stolen in the middle of the night from albergues. So the advice here is sound - I have a little bag for all my valuables and I throw them down into my sleeping bag. I'm short, though, so I still have room to spare in the sleeping bag.

 

[TMcA]

I have an old Primaloft lightweight jacket with a large chest pocket with a zip closure. Valuables go in the pocket and the jacket goes into the sleeping bag down near my feet. Safe and out of the way. And on a very cold night I can pull up the jacket and use it as a kind of mini-blanket for additional warmth. Sadly, jacket manufacturers have shrunk the size of these chest pockets and even, like Patagonia, eliminated them.

 

[MickMac]

Like many other pilgrims I slept with my valuables within my sleeping bag in a pouch beneath me and NEVER told anyone where they were!!

Now you have.

 

[mspath]

Now you have.

True but at 83 I am no longer able to hike long distance so I share here with those who wish info what worked for me during 10 CFs.

 

[RJM]

While rare, there have been incidents of packs being stolen in the middle of the night from albergues. So the advice here is sound - I have a little bag for all my valuables and I throw them down into my sleeping bag. I'm short, though, so I still have room to spare in the sleeping bag.

To those concerned about it, you can easily secure your backpack to a bedpost. Carry a short length of thin cable with eye loops and a small lock. The lightest you can find. All it has to be is inconvenient enough for the thief to not want to spend time on. Time is of the essence to them.

 

[Linda Fantillo]

I have a little cotton bag with a string through it (can be purchased at travel stores). I believe they are meant to be carried around your neck. My passport, credit cards, debit card, and major money are in there in a small zip lock bag. I have it around my waist at all times and even sleep with it. Hardly notice it at all. Keep my daily cash in my waist bag or in the wonderful pockets in my Macabi skirt.

 

[Scott Sweeney]

I have read various posts about carrying your valuables, such as money, passports, etc, while walking, showering, etc but what do people do while asleep? Do you continue to wear them? Are they safe in your pack overnight? Just trying to figure out the logistics of it all as it relates to communal sleeping arrangements. Thanks in advance

It's always in a pouch around my neck passport, cash. Occasionally you choke yourself at least I know where everything is.

 

[Jami Gray]

I have read various posts about carrying your valuables, such as money, passports, etc, while walking, showering, etc but what do people do while asleep? Do you continue to wear them? Are they safe in your pack overnight? Just trying to figure out the logistics of it all as it relates to communal sleeping arrangements. Thanks in advance

My waist bag was comfy enough, I always slept with it on. Kept those earplugs within east reach when necessary!!

 

[MickMac]

True but at 83 I am no longer able to hike long distance so I share here with those who wish info what worked for me during 10 CFs.

That was a tiny bit of sarcasm which is always the lowest form of wit.

 

[Anhalter]

For two caminos now, at night my wallet was usually in my pants that usually hung from the bed somehow. While "there have been reports" of stuff being stolen at night, i have so far not have had any personal experience or even met a guy to whom that has happened. Yeah, it's possible i guess, but then other unpleasant stuff is also possible.
But on the other hand, if it makes you feel more safe, just throw them into your sleeping bag at night and you'll still be fine.

 

[cbacino]

I have read various posts about carrying your valuables, such as money, passports, etc, while walking, showering, etc but what do people do while asleep? Do you continue to wear them? Are they safe in your pack overnight? Just trying to figure out the logistics of it all as it relates to communal sleeping arrangements. Thanks in advance

I would never store valuables in my pack, especially while sleeping. Put them in your clothes sack and use it as a pillow.

 

[Lurch]

Hey…I saw the movie and about packs being stolen. My sleeping bag is a good place to secure my passports, money and cell phone. Probably most do so. Stays in my waterproof bag, just like in the shower.

 

[Anniesantiago]

This year, we actually bought some men's underwear with a pouch in them where you could stash your cards, cash, and passport. Got them on amazon. Perfect for nights when you're in an albergue. If I'm in an albergue, I NEVER would keep valuables in my pack... never...

 

[Dougyharry]

I have read various posts about carrying your valuables, such as money, passports, etc, while walking, showering, etc but what do people do while asleep? Do you continue to wear them? Are they safe in your pack overnight? Just trying to figure out the logistics of it all as it relates to communal sleeping arrangements. Thanks in advance

I have never met any peregrinos who have had stuff stolen but have never done any of the crowded caminos so maybe it is different there. However we have met more than a few peregrinos who have left stuff behind in various places, albergues, bars, tiendas, rest spots etc. We have a routine. Whenever we leave anywhere where we have had to access passports, credit cards wallets etc we go through the same standard check routine which we use when we eave first thing in the morning. Passport check, wallet check, phone check.

 

[walkinglover]

I have read various posts about carrying your valuables, such as money, passports, etc, while walking, showering, etc but what do people do while asleep? Do you continue to wear them? Are they safe in your pack overnight? Just trying to figure out the logistics of it all as it relates to communal sleeping arrangements. Thanks in advance

I sleep with mine in my sleep sack, at the feet of the sack, when in a public albergue.

 

[lt56ny]

I never go anywhere without my money belt. If I leave my backpack in front of a cafe, it goes with me. If I get up to go to the bathroom or the bar it goes with. I take it to the shower or toilet with me. I sleep with my money belt every night. The only time it is in my backpack is when I am walking and then in a place that someone would not be able to take it unless they were physically assaulting and robbing me.

 

[trecile]

I never go anywhere without my money belt. If I leave my backpack in front of a cafe, it goes with me. If I get up to go to the bathroom or the bar it goes with. I take it to the shower or toilet with me. I sleep with my money belt every night. The only time it is in my backpack is when I am walking and then in a place that someone would not be able to take it unless they were physically assaulting and robbing me.

I do the same with my crossbody bag, except that I never put it in my backpack.

 

[Lleslie]

I'm sure I can remember some reports from maybe a few years ago where a/some pilgrims had the bottom of their sleeping bags slashed while they were asleep and valuables removed? Maybe best to keep them up around your body and not right at the foot?

 

[trecile]

I'm sure I can remember some reports from maybe a few years ago where a/some pilgrims had the bottom of their sleeping bags slashed while they were asleep and valuables removed? Maybe best to keep them up around your body and not right at the foot?

I've only heard rumors of this happening. Seems pretty risky to slash the bottom of a sleeping bag and possibly cut its occupant on the chance that's where their valuables are.
What I have read was that a group of theives who were targeting albergues in 2019 were caught.

https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/the-group-of-albergues-thieves-has-been-arrested-by-the-guardia-civil.63496

 

[dreaming]

I wear mine around my waist at night. Very comfy and place the bumbag in the sleeping sheets as well with my phone all close to me. I met a traveller in Borneo who placed his passport under the mattress and travelled a long way before remembering. The hostel owner got it delivered to him in a taxi. He was in a obvious state.

 

[MickMac]

I never go anywhere without my money belt. If I leave my backpack in front of a cafe, it goes with me. If I get up to go to the bathroom or the bar it goes with. I take it to the shower or toilet with me. I sleep with my money belt every night. The only time it is in my backpack is when I am walking and then in a place that someone would not be able to take it unless they were physically assaulting and robbing me.

Is it washable and water proof, make,? Please.

 

[Kobe]

It's always in a pouch around my neck passport, cash. Occasionally you choke yourself at least I know where everything is.

I stick an arm through the neck pouch and hence it becomes a cross-body pouch - less likely to choke! I keep it under my shirt and keep a bit of local currency for the day in my waist belt or a zip pocket. When I'm doing some serious shopping at a market or bizarre (or in Prague...) I keep a small amount of currency in various zipped pockets so I am never pulling out a significant amount at any one time.

 

[MikeyC]

We have a routine. Whenever we leave anywhere where we have had to access passports, credit cards wallets etc we go through the same standard check routine which we use when we eave first thing in the morning. Passport check, wallet check, phone check.

I would add hiking poles and hat to the list as more than once these were left propped up in a corner or had fallen to the floor as we exited a bar or similar.
Nowadays, whether it be on the Camino. hiking, camping or beach trips, when we have packed up it's "Camino rules" (often said aloud) which means a good scan of the area to ensure nothing is left behind.

 

[Kathy F.]

First, remember what is valuable. Don't carry large sums of money/cash - fill up at the ATM as needed. Credit cards, even passports can be replaced, credencials cannot, so keep it with your valuables.

I walked with my wallet/credit card/passport/credenciale in my buttpack around my waist while walking with my backpack. It made access very easy.

When showering, I took my buttpack with me into the shower. I never left it out of my sight, even when just wandering around the albergue or around town.

I guess it is no secret anymore that most pilgrims sleep with their valuables in their sleeping bags. Maybe that's why I dislike mummy sleeping bags so much - I need the extra space by my feet!

I also remember the stories of the thieves who slashed the bottoms of sleeping bags while the pilgrims were asleep and took their stuff. Yikes! If that was the case, let them have it!! Anyway, I've also heard that they were caught so no more problems (wink, wink).

Buen Camino, be alert but don't be overly anxious about safety and security on the Camino. You will find way, way more people who will help you than would ever think of harming you on your journey.

 

[Kathy F.]

I would add hiking poles and hat to the list as more than once these were left propped up in a corner or had fallen to the floor as we exited a bar or similar.
Nowadays, whether it be on the Camino. hiking, camping or beach trips, when we have packed up it's "Camino rules" (often said aloud) which means a good scan of the area to ensure nothing is left behind.

LOL, as a Mom, I got into that habit decades ago. made sure no one left behind a pacifier, stuffed animal, or other must-have whenever we (rarely) made it to a place of leisure, transportation, etc.
*sigh*
Good times!!

 

[lt56ny]

Is it washable and water proof, make,? Please.

I have no idea if it is washable. Although i would think it would be washable. But you have to be very careful because of the strap and I think it could be damaged that way in the wash. I Never had to worry about it being waterproof. As soon as it starts to rain I put my poncho on. The name has faded on the belt.
Here are lots of choices on Amazon

Amazon.com : travel money belt

I am sure if you google it you will find lots of information.
To be honest mine is a very typical belt. My biggest concern when I bought it was that there were two compartments. One that would fit my passport and credential and one for my credit card/atm and cash.

 

[Rebekah Scott]

Never bring along anything you cannot afford to lose.

 

[MikeyC]

Never bring along anything you cannot afford to lose.

I hope my wife doesn't see this

 

[Salty]

I get up during the night often to take a pee break, what do you guys do then, with your valuebles? I also dont know how I will be able to sleep with my valuebles on my body ? I turn around a lot. Plan A : I was thinking to sew a long piece of light weight bright colour eg pink fabric and drape it over my pillow every night. And sew on the one side, a longer side, with a fold over pouch, to put my valuebles in. This part then will fold under my pillow and out of sight. Lightweight and bright colour so that I dont forget to take the pillow case in the morning with me. Or... Plan B : Bring along a big very lightweight shopping style bag. Keep my valuebles and fanny pack in there over night, when I need to go the bathroom in the middle of the night, I grab my shopping bag ( catch all) and drape it around my neck, so I can be hands free, to get off the top bunk safely. This big shopping bag, will also be my personal item on flights, shower time I put my clean clothes, towel and toiletries in there, clothes washing time, I use it and to go shopping for snacks and food late afternoon also. How practical might this be ?

 

[C clearly]

what do you guys do then, with your valuebles?

Carry them with you. Sure have a customized shopping bag if you want. At night, my valuables are in the bag they are always in. That bag may be attached to a carabiner on the inside my sleeping bag, easily removed to carry (over my shoulder) to the toilet.

 

[WalkingInGers]

Okay concerning the valuables. Question: how do you charge your phone and not get it stolen?

 

[henrythedog]

Okay concerning the valuables. Question: how do you charge your phone and not get it stolen?

Charge an inexpensive power pack, or two, whilst you’re not present then use them to charge your ‘phone.

 

[henrythedog]

I hope my wife doesn't see this

According to Mrs HtD, that would be the least of my problems should I ever consider transgressing.

 

[Former member 92300]

Keep them with you at all times, even when you go to the shower and to sleep.

 

[Jami Gray]

I get up during the night often to take a pee break, what do you guys do then, with your valuebles? I also dont know how I will be able to sleep with my valuebles on my body ? I turn around a lot. Plan A : I was thinking to sew a long piece of light weight bright colour eg pink fabric and drape it over my pillow every night. And sew on the one side, a longer side, with a fold over pouch, to put my valuebles in. This part then will fold under my pillow and out of sight. Lightweight and bright colour so that I dont forget to take the pillow case in the morning with me. Or... Plan B : Bring along a big very lightweight shopping style bag. Keep my valuebles and fanny pack in there over night, when I need to go the bathroom in the middle of the night, I grab my shopping bag ( catch all) and drape it around my neck, so I can be hands free, to get off the top bunk safely. This big shopping bag, will also be my personal item on flights, shower time I put my clean clothes, towel and toiletries in there, clothes washing time, I use it and to go shopping for snacks and food late afternoon also. How practical might this be ?

I just wear my waist pack all night. In addition to being on you when you go wee, you can keep phone, ear buds, tissues, everything you may need during the night. And you get used to sleeping with it.

 

[Former member 92300]

Okay concerning the valuables. Question: how do you charge your phone and not get it stolen?

I charge in the afternoon or evening when I am relaxing in the dorm and turn off my phone overnight. I don't bring a battery pack myself. Unnecessary weight. Sometimes if the plug is at my bed I might charge overnight... but depends on the situation. Losing a phone is bad... but not as bad as losing your passport/wallet so up to you to decide what you are willing to risk.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I just wear my waist pack all night. In addition to being on you when you go wee, you can keep phone, ear buds, tissues, everything you may need during the night. And you get used to sleeping with it.

I doubt I could wear my waist bag all night as I toss and turn and am not a back sleeper. It goes in the bottom of my sleeping bag and I never get up to go to the bathroom in the night. I do bring it in my shower bag...it is NEVER left unattended.

 

[dougfitz]

Okay concerning the valuables. Question: how do you charge your phone and not get it stolen?

I prefer to charge mine somewhere where I can see it, and keep it with me at other times. Sometimes I take the risk and leave it unattended, but if I can avoid that, I do.

 

[trecile]

Okay concerning the valuables. Question: how do you charge your phone and not get it stolen?

I charge in the afternoon or evening when I am relaxing in the dorm and turn off my phone overnight.

I bring a 3 meter/10 ft charging cable so that I can (almost) always reach the outlet from my bunk.

 

[Jami Gray]

I doubt I could wear my waist bag all night as I toss and turn and am not a back sleeper. It goes in the bottom of my sleeping bag and I never get up to go to the bathroom in the night. I do bring it in my shower bag...it is NEVER left unattended.

I am so impressed that you never get up to go to the bathroom!!! But I’m also a tossed and turned, but after a few days…the waist bag is just part of the process.

 

[WalkingInGers]

I bring a 3 meter/10 ft charging cable so that I can (almost) always reach the outlet from my bunk.

i will need that 3 meter extension cord because I will probably need to use a CPAC machine…and recharge the phone and the extra battery pack.

 

[Wayfarer1]

Never bring along anything you cannot afford to lose.

I totally get the feeling behind this, but you kinda need to travel with your passport and money....and you can't really afford to lose those....

 

[dougfitz]

i will need that 3 meter extension cord because I will probably need to use a CPAC machine…and recharge the phone and the extra battery pack.

If you are carrying a CPAP, in general hospitaleros will try and put you close to a power point. Let them know in advance that you need that. The two times that I have walked, I have never needed an extension cord for my CPAP. I also carry a travel adaptor that has four USB ports. It does no voltage conversion, but I can plug it into the power point, then my CPAP into the adaptor. This is more convenient for me that carrying several chargers.

 

[WalkingInGers]

If you are carrying a CPAP, in general hospitaleros will try and put you close to a power point. Let them know in advance that you need that. The two times that I have walked, I have never needed an extension cord for my CPAP. I also carry a travel adaptor that has four USB ports. It does no voltage conversion, but I can plug it into the power point, then my CPAP into the adaptor. This is more convenient for me that carrying several chargers.

You are very well organised, Sir. I wonder how Saint Jacques travelled back then..probably without a CPAC machine and a smartphone!

 

[dougfitz]

You are very well organised, Sir. I wonder how Saint Jacques travelled back then..probably without a CPAC machine and a smartphone!

I suspect that he didn't get to be overweight, over 40 and didn't snore. As for the mobile, some of the history buffs might know whether he could read and write, but they probably weren't life skills in the way they are today. Although the strongly graphical approach of smartphones might very well have worked brilliantly for him, he might just have been a bit stuck waiting for the network providers if he wasn't on one of the major Roman roads

 

[alexwalker]

I have read various posts about carrying your valuables, such as money, passports, etc, while walking, showering, etc but what do people do while asleep? Do you continue to wear them? Are they safe in your pack overnight? Just trying to figure out the logistics of it all as it relates to communal sleeping arrangements. Thanks in advance

In the bottom of my sleeping bag, in my waist belt. Every night. Don't tell anyone: It's a secret...

 

[Former member 92300]

I carry all my valuables in a waist bag which goes at the bottom of my sleeping bag in the albergues. My feet keep watch over them all night long for me.

I doubt I could wear my waist bag all night as I toss and turn and am not a back sleeper. It goes in the bottom of my sleeping bag and I never get up to go to the bathroom in the night. I do bring it in my shower bag...it is NEVER left unattended.

The problem with putting your waist bag at the bottom of your bag is some thieves have actually come in and quietly cut bags to get to them. I doubt it happens much on the Camino - but this is a concern of mine in the bigger cities in albergues/hostels. And when I travelled in couchettes on trains and staying in dorms in big cities - I was actually warned about this.

And I thought the same as you about wearing it - I too toss and turn and am a side/stomach sleeper. I just loosen by hip belt a little and slide it to whatever side of my body it is most comfortable on and surprisingly - I barely notice it most nights. And while I don't get up often at night, it is right with me when I do. And another advantage - since I am wearing it while I sleep - if I wake up to leave early in the AM there is no risk of forgetting it when leaving in the dark

If I do take it off while I sleep - I do still keep it in my sleeping bag or liner, but have it between my waist and the wall - close to my body still. I am more likely to notice someone reaching over the middle of my body as opposed to near my feet which can be easily accessed at the foot of the bed.

 

[Former member 92300]

I bring a 3 meter/10 ft charging cable so that I can (almost) always reach the outlet from my bunk.

I have done this before too - but I like my shorter cables. It is rare when I find it is difficult to charge without leaving my phone unattended.

 

[nycwalking]

I am so impressed that you never get up to go to the bathroom!!! But I’m also a tossed and turned, but after a few days…the waist bag is just part of the process.

I too toss and turn quite a bit.

At home I am not a fan of night clothes as well.

However on camino I always sleep with my waistpack and a long shirt.

 

[Excursionista]

Sometimes I take the risk and leave it unattended, but if I can avoid that, I do.

This perfectly sums up my approach. I've been robbed twice over 25 years of travel and feel happy with the balance I've struck between caution and obsession.

 

[trecile]

The problem with putting your waist bag at the bottom of your bag is some thieves have actually come in and quietly cut bags to get to them

I have read this many times on the forum, but not from anyone who has first hand experience, so I'm pretty skeptical that it actually happens.

If I do take it off while I sleep - I do still keep it in my sleeping bag or liner, but have it between my waist and the wall - close to my body still.

That's what I do too.

 

[Former member 92300]

I have read this many times on the forum, but not from anyone who has first hand experience, so I'm pretty skeptical that it actually happens.

Like I said - I don't think it is a problem so much on the Camino - but I do know it happens. I was warned by a couple of people who knew people this happened to. One of which was a train employee for a night train, another was a person who worked in a hostel in a big city. It was a topic of conversation multiple times that year (2003 I believe)

Again - more of a big city problem than a Camino problem, but I always keep it in mind in any setting where I am sleeping with others I did not know before I started my travels.

 

[dougfitz]

Like I said - I don't think it is a problem so much on the Camino - but I do know it happens. I was warned by a couple of people who knew people this happened to. One of which was a train employee for a night train, another was a person who worked in a hostel in a big city. It was a topic of conversation multiple times that year (2003 I believe)

I think this adequately demonstrates @trecile's point. It appears you are basing your 'knowledge' not on first hand, but second hand accounts at best. Which means you are expecting us to believe what is now a third hand account. You might have thought that your informant was a good source, but you weren't able to test their source. We are even more removed.

 

[Former member 92300]

I think this adequately demonstrates @trecile's point. It appears you are basing your 'knowledge' not on first hand, but second hand accounts at best. Which means you are expecting us to believe what is now a third hand account. You might have thought that your informant was a good source, but you weren't able to test their source. We are even more removed.

LMAO - No, I didn't have it happen to ME. The people I was talking to had issues IN THEIR BUSINESS with it happening. And why would I want to test it? So I could have my valuables stolen? Seriously? I don't expect you to believe anything - but I had reason to trust my sources. They had multiple cases in their businesses with theft in that manner. They had multiple cases on different occasions where they had to deal with the people who had their valuables stolen in this manner. Their warnings were to help further help their customers avoid becoming victims.

Once again - I don't believe this is a big problem on the Camino - but I do believe it does happen based on the sources where I got the information. Take it or leave it.

By the way - we all know people will steal belongings in dorm rooms while pilgrims sleep. We all know people will steal things off of people's bodies while they are distracted (pick pockets). We all know people will slash bags and retrieve valuables while someone is wide awake. Why is this so hard to believe? LMAO

 

[dougfitz]

LMAO - No, I didn't have it happen to ME. The people I was talking to had issues IN THEIR BUSINESS with it happening. And why would I want to test it?

For a start, I would be concerned that with each generation of the telling of a story, the retelling gets further removed from what actually did happen. Few of us live in a culture where the historical accuracy of oral history is highly valued. We interpret, interpolate and add explanations that might fill in the gaps we are curious about. We risk our interpretations becoming the facts for the next generation of the story, until it bears little or no resemblance to what might have originally taken place. The instructive values that might have existed soon get lost in the urban myth that has been created along the way.

 

[Former member 92300]

For a start, I would be concerned that with each generation of the telling of a story, the retelling gets further removed from what actually did happen. Few of us live in a culture where the historical accuracy of oral history is highly valued. We interpret, interpolate and add explanations that might fill in the gaps we are curious about. We risk our interpretations becoming the facts for the next generation of the story, until it bears little or no resemblance to what might have originally taken place. The instructive values that might have existed soon get lost in the urban myth that has been created along the way.

LOL... when I had these conversations it wasn't some conversation about an urban legend/myth. I was speaking directly with the staff of a hostel and staff on a train who personally had to deal with the multiple angry customers who lost their valuables in this manner and they (these particular staff) were part of the process of making multiple police reports and trying to help identify the criminals in the cases over a long enough period of time that they felt the need to warn their future customers. They were part of the first hand experience. They weren't relaying some urban legend. They were relaying first hand personal experience as the people dealing with the theft and trying to prevent it from happening again in their personal business. And you are essentially telling me that I shouldn't have believed them. Um, OK. So, basically what you are saying is I should never believed anything that someone warned me about that happened to them in their business or personal life. If that is the case - then why are any of us who have never been robbed concerned that theft in any way can happen at any time on the Camino or elsewhere in our travels? Afterall, it didn't happen to me!

Yes - consider the source of the information. For me? This was communicating directly with the people involved in the original incidents. So yes, after getting multiple warnings that year I chose to believe them. I had received more warnings than the two I mentioned - I mentioned these two because these two people had direct first hand experience in the viewpoint of the person receiving the initial reports from angry customers and having to assist with making police reports and attempting to identify the suspects. I didn't mention others because they were indeed hearsay.

As for the rest of you - no, it didn't happen to me and I wasn't part of the incidents, so sure - you can chose to believe it is an urban legend if you want to - Afterall - I am reporting hearsay and it didn't happen to you or me so it must be an urban legend. But take that with a grain of salt because I have also not been pick pocketed, have you? I don't know about you, but I prefer to not wait until I am pickpocketed to believe that it happens before I chose to protect my valuables.

And once again - I don't believe this is a big problem on the Camino specifically - but I do believe it happens (or used to happen) in other similar environments.

As for the instructive value of the lesson learned - if you are in any setting where you are not alone and/or other's can easily enter your space - protect your valuables. If you can't lock them up securely, keep them on you are all times in a place that is difficult for others to access. In this case - by your feet while you sleep is one of the least secure locations on your body.