Stolen Backpack in Barcelona - Can compostela be replaced?

[BROWNCOUNTYBOB]

My brother, his wife, and another couple just completed the Central Portuguese route. They had a very good experience. My brother and his wife hiked the Camino Frances with my wife and myself in 2017. They collected their compostelas and enjoyed a few days reflecting and relaxing in Santiago. Today they flew to Barcelona to spend a few days there before flying back to the USA.

I just received a text from my brother. After arriving in Barcelona, the two couples took a taxi to an apartment they rented for a few days. The two men went across the street to call the owner to let them in. The wives remained behind. In the few minutes they were gone, someone stole my brother's friend's backpack. The wives did not notice when / how this happened. Unfortunately the backpack contained their compostelas, souvineers, and journals. Fortunately, the passports were not stolen.

Quite a buzz kill following a wonderful camino. Question: does anyone know if the Camino office in Santiago can be contacted and have them request a replacement compostela? Any advice / suggestions will be appreciated. I will relay this along to my brother.

Gracias ! Bob

 

[Flog]

Sorry to hear of their predicament. It's likely the backpacks were rifled through for valuables and dumped somewhere close by. No harm to look around the immediate vicinity.

If you want to PM me some details,
I can ask someone senior at the office about it and maybe we can figure out something from there, I am there this week.

No promises but let's see...

 

[Jeff Crawley]

A sad end to an otherwise inspiring journey.

The office will have a record of when they issued the original Compostela so it should be easy to provide a replacement. Tell your friend to provide the date the original was issued, the starting out point for their Camino and their name and nationality - all of this will help to pin it down.

Best wishes to them.

 

[Keith H]

I’m really sorry to hear this. Barcelona is my home and it really makes me sad whenever I hear these stories. It happens far too often sadly. There are little to no repercussions for these crimes (but the laws did just get tougher).

 

[BROWNCOUNTYBOB]

Thanks for all that provided sympathy, advice and offer to help. I received encouraging news that since information is registered at the pilgrim's office, it may be possible to replace a lost compostela.

Just as I was collecting details from my brother, his friend double checked and found their original compostelas in a duffle bag, where they were tucked for safe keeping! So backpack lost, but compostelas are safe.

Muchas gracias! Bob

 

[Flog]

Some good news at least. Thanks for letting us know..

 

[HeyRobin]

What a downer. I hope they find your brother's belongings and I'm so glad they have their compostelas. Thanks for sharing! Robin

 

[Frankybaby66]

Thanks for all that provided sympathy, advice and offer to help. I received encouraging news that since information is registered at the pilgrim's office, it may be possible to replace a lost compostela.

Just as I was collecting details from my brother, his friend double checked and found their original compostelas in a duffle bag, where they were tucked for safe keeping! So backpack lost, but compostelas are safe.

Muchas gracias! Bob

I regularly 'lose' items in my backpack- don't think that I am clever enough for all those compartments!
Glad to know that it's not just me