Theft in O'Cebreio Albergue

[kellyz]

This is sad, but also curious. Can someone explain what the spray is, and how it relates to the theft?

http://www.lavozdegalicia.es/notici...0003_201409G4P10993.htm#.VAhlHoODEME.facebook

 

[Mark Lee]

Sounds like oleoresin capsicum (OC) or better known as pepper spray.
I guess they spray a small amount in the vicinity of where they want to steal stuff, it causes the victims to go outside and then the thieves do their thing.
When I was in O'Cebreiro back in July there were some thefts that occurred at the same albergue the night I was there. Personally I would avoid staying there. Just my opinion.

 

[NoQ]

Great ingenuity. At least people will be on their guard against this one now.

 

[Mark Lee]

Great ingenuity. At least people will be on their guard against this one now.

Yeah, sure they will. Assuming everyone that stays there reads this forum or that newspaper article.....

 

[jefferyonthecamino]

I have had a chance to talk to the ladies who were robbed and follow their story in situ from Galicia, and it is not exactly what's in the papers. They seem legit although it is a bit odd that they apparently had, and lost, 3000 euros that night.

 

[Mark Lee]

I have had a chance to talk to the ladies who were robbed and follow their story in situ from Galicia, and it is not exactly what's in the papers. They seem legit although it is a bit odd that they apparently had, and lost, 3000 euros that night.

Looks like there are four ladies victimized in the theft. For them to have 3000 euros between them would not be that odd. On both my Caminos I carried over 1000 euros on me, from US dollars exchanged at the airport (Paris the first one, Madrid the second). Better rate of exchange and no fees like I get when I use my credit card at an ATM. Mind you, my wallet containing the euros and my passport never left my body except to shower, and even then was in a waterproof bag hanging up next to me.
Apparently a lot of pilgrims carry large sums of cash on them while walking the Camino. Odd? No, not really. Safe? Obviously not safe if you leave the money unattended.
The Camino is no utopia. Never has been. Evident by the fact pilgrims were robbed and killed while walking it centuries ago, and evident now by the thieves that see it as an opportunity to profit.

 

[Tincatinker]

The ladies cited in the Voz de Galicia article are Spanish so would not be subjected to the charges imposed by banks for foreign currency transactions. Though its not clear whether the four in the photo are the actual and sole victims or just "colour".

 

[Anniesantiago]

This is yet another warning why you should keep your cash on you at ALL times, including while sleeping.

 

[Scott Sweeney]

Have to ask why anyone or any four people would carry that kind of cash on them. That doesn't forgive the thieves but why? I don't carry anything that isn't easily replaced or card canceled.

Unfortunate but preventable.