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Ohh.. I’m sorry… I understand you.. “it’s not the money per ce…” it’s losing FAITH in humanityCautionary note re robbery. I was in a sixteen bed dorm and all my money was stolen. My wallet had three hundred euros, one hundred Canadian dollars and fifty Australian dollars.
My wallet was secure (I thought). I believe someone saw me transfer the wallet to my walking shorts. The shorts, as well as shirt, socks, fleece etc were under my pack which was close to my face.
I believe the thief took the shorts, probably to the bathroom and cleaned out the wallet. The three different currencies were in different parts of the wallet, one being zipped up. The shorts were then returned with the wallet in place. I didn't realise I'd been robbed until just before I left. I asked if those still there had seen anything but predictability nobody did.
I am posting this thread with these details to illustrate how the opportunistic thief operates. My relatively good attention to security fell short sadly.
The loss won't break me, and as much as anything it's the violation the makes me angry. Sad that we have a low-life type like amongst us.
I won't let it define my Camino, however I thought I should share my experience as a note caution.
Buen Camino
A man was arrested for stealing from pilgrims in albergues in Logrono and Estella last year.Wen you started on the 3. april, it happend around Estella, right?
Another cautionary note: Don't carry money in a place where you can't spend it. And carry only a little more than can get you to the next ATM. Finally, all but a day's worth in a place that would make the thief work very hard.Cautionary note re robbery. I was in a sixteen bed dorm and all my money was stolen. My wallet had three hundred euros, one hundred Canadian dollars and fifty Australian dollars.
All at the same time? Or on different occasions?I heard on the grapevine that three, yes THREE, pilgrims were robbed of their cash at the Municipal Albergue in Zubiri last week.....
Cautionary note re robbery. I was in a sixteen bed dorm and all my money was stolen. My wallet had three hundred euros, one hundred Canadian dollars and fifty Australian dollars.
My wallet was secure (I thought). I believe someone saw me transfer the wallet to my walking shorts. The shorts, as well as shirt, socks, fleece etc were under my pack which was close to my face.
I believe the thief took the shorts, probably to the bathroom and cleaned out the wallet. The three different currencies were in different parts of the wallet, one being zipped up. The shorts were then returned with the wallet in place. I didn't realise I'd been robbed until just before I left. I asked if those still there had seen anything but predictability nobody did.
I am posting this thread with these details to illustrate how the opportunistic thief operates. My relatively good attention to security fell short sadly.
The loss won't break me, and as much as anything it's the violation the makes me angry. Sad that we have a low-life type like amongst us.
I won't let it define my Camino, however I thought I should share my experience as a note caution.
Buen Camino
I'm so sorry to hear this, Peter. Thanks for sharing to remind all of us to take special caution. Lastly, it is good to hear that you won't let it define your Camino! I hope the remainder of your Camino brings all kinds of goodness into your life!Cautionary note re robbery. I was in a sixteen bed dorm and all my money was stolen. My wallet had three hundred euros, one hundred Canadian dollars and fifty Australian dollars.
My wallet was secure (I thought). I believe someone saw me transfer the wallet to my walking shorts. The shorts, as well as shirt, socks, fleece etc were under my pack which was close to my face.
I believe the thief took the shorts, probably to the bathroom and cleaned out the wallet. The three different currencies were in different parts of the wallet, one being zipped up. The shorts were then returned with the wallet in place. I didn't realise I'd been robbed until just before I left. I asked if those still there had seen anything but predictability nobody did.
I am posting this thread with these details to illustrate how the opportunistic thief operates. My relatively good attention to security fell short sadly.
The loss won't break me, and as much as anything it's the violation the makes me angry. Sad that we have a low-life type like amongst us.
I won't let it define my Camino, however I thought I should share my experience as a note caution.
Buen Camino
Something is a little odd. No thief would take a second chance of getting caught by returning stolen items back.Cautionary note re robbery. I was in a sixteen bed dorm and all my money was stolen. My wallet had three hundred euros, one hundred Canadian dollars and fifty Australian dollars.
My wallet was secure (I thought). I believe someone saw me transfer the wallet to my walking shorts. The shorts, as well as shirt, socks, fleece etc were under my pack which was close to my face.
I believe the thief took the shorts, probably to the bathroom and cleaned out the wallet. The three different currencies were in different parts of the wallet, one being zipped up. The shorts were then returned with the wallet in place. I didn't realise I'd been robbed until just before I left. I asked if those still there had seen anything but predictability nobody did.
I am posting this thread with these details to illustrate how the opportunistic thief operates. My relatively good attention to security fell short sadly.
The loss won't break me, and as much as anything it's the violation the makes me angry. Sad that we have a low-life type like amongst us.
I won't let it define my Camino, however I thought I should share my experience as a note caution.
Buen Camino
I heard on the grapevine that three, yes THREE, pilgrims were robbed of their cash at the Municipal Albergue in Zubiri last week.....
Something is a little odd. No thief would take a second chance of getting caught by returning stolen items back.
The loss won't break me, and as much as anything it's the violation the makes me angry.
That is deeper than the actual money loss. It will be hard for you to forget, but I hope you will be able to let it go. So sorry.
Hola @Peter-H Sorry to hear about your robbery. I have usually worked on the philosophy of not tempting those " less well off". I never change money from one facility to another in view of anyone else (yes I know its difficult in crowded dorms); my passport cash and travel cards sleep with me - usually at the bottom of my sleeping bag; lastly my passport and cash/cards are almost always with me if I am away from my backpack. I have a waterproof /zip lock bag for storage in shower etc. Cheers
Yes I also have had items stolen on past Camino's although no cash or credentials passport etc they are always kept on my discreet security waist wallet always feel let down to think of thieves travelling on the Camino but I believe in Karma what goes around comes around don't let these unfortunate occasions put you off doing Camino's keep the faithI'm so sorry this happened to you and I admire the stoicism of your response.
Please report this. It looks like the work of a professional thief, and as J Willhaus points out, the police have records of the passport details of everyone who stayed in the albergue. The thief is likely to have "form", and the police can probably identify them from their CRO details.
The police are very serious about maintaining the security of pilgrims, but they need our cooperation to be effective in this and in all other violations that occur.
Good luck and buen Camino
Sorry Peter this happened to you. It is good that you are not letting the event dictate the rest of your Camino. Buen Camino.Cautionary note re robbery. I was in a sixteen bed dorm and all my money was stolen. My wallet had three hundred euros, one hundred Canadian dollars and fifty Australian dollars.
My wallet was secure (I thought). I believe someone saw me transfer the wallet to my walking shorts. The shorts, as well as shirt, socks, fleece etc were under my pack which was close to my face.
I believe the thief took the shorts, probably to the bathroom and cleaned out the wallet. The three different currencies were in different parts of the wallet, one being zipped up. The shorts were then returned with the wallet in place. I didn't realise I'd been robbed until just before I left. I asked if those still there had seen anything but predictability nobody did.
I am posting this thread with these details to illustrate how the opportunistic thief operates. My relatively good attention to security fell short sadly.
The loss won't break me, and as much as anything it's the violation the makes me angry. Sad that we have a low-life type like amongst us.
I won't let it define my Camino, however I thought I should share my experience as a note caution.
Buen Camino
Make that four. I was in the Municipal Albergue in Zubiri. I didn't mention the Hostel or the town because I didn't want it to reflect badly on them. I don't see it as their fault.I heard on the grapevine that three, yes THREE, pilgrims were robbed of their cash at the Municipal Albergue in Zubiri last week.....
Same night. I was there Wednesday night; crossed the Pyrenees the day it opened on the 4th.Same night, Wednesday I believe...the first pilgrims arriving off the newly opened Napoleonic route ...
Make that four. I was in the Municipal Albergue in Zubiri. I didn't mention the Hostel or the town because I didn't want it to reflect badly on them. I don't see it as their fault.
Thank u so much makes one realise that one needs to b vigilant it’s sadCautionary note re robbery. I was in a sixteen bed dorm and all my money was stolen. My wallet had three hundred euros, one hundred Canadian dollars and fifty Australian dollars.
My wallet was secure (I thought). I believe someone saw me transfer the wallet to my walking shorts. The shorts, as well as shirt, socks, fleece etc were under my pack which was close to my face.
I believe the thief took the shorts, probably to the bathroom and cleaned out the wallet. The three different currencies were in different parts of the wallet, one being zipped up. The shorts were then returned with the wallet in place. I didn't realise I'd been robbed until just before I left. I asked if those still there had seen anything but predictability nobody did.
I am posting this thread with these details to illustrate how the opportunistic thief operates. My relatively good attention to security fell short sadly.
The loss won't break me, and as much as anything it's the violation the makes me angry. Sad that we have a low-life type like amongst us.
I won't let it define my Camino, however I thought I should share my experience as a note caution.
Buen Camino
Hi PeterOne question "tigermike', what is the grapevine on which you heard of the other three thief's? This would seem to be yet another example of the outstanding resource that is the Camino Forum.
Zubiri - answered in post #28 above.Where was it? Not Carrion de los Condes by any chance?
De colores
Bogong
I was in the Municipal Albergue in Zubiri. I didn't mention the Hostel or the town because I didn't want it to reflect badly on them. I don't see it as their fault.
Depends on what you mean. Certainly the thieves may have stayed the night in the albergue, pretending to be, and looking like, fellow pilgrims. But I doubt that they are on their way to Santiago, or even the next stage.the culprit was a fellow pilgrim
Maybe the thing to do is take pictures of them and then report what you saw? It's so sad to read of this happening, but I'm sort of glad to have the heads-up because I'll be more alert and more likely to think to do something like that.We were robbed in Zubiri also way back in 2016 and I know who the robbers were.
They were two young women, who I noticed took a very keen interest in everyone while resting on their beds. I thought it kind of odd at the time.
Next morning, they waited until the dorm was empty (everyone was downstairs having breakfast) and while one stood at the door, the other rifled through belongings. I returned to get my electric shaver and disturbed them and they pretended to be looking for something and then left hurridly. I thought it odd, at the time and my wife, shortly afterwards noticed some missing toiletries and clothing which she had placed on her bed.
Later that day, while having a cafe con leche, we saw them again at a cafe, and when they realised I was approaching them they were out the door and gone as fast as they could walk.
Karma - they knew I knew and they knew I would absolutely confront them. Hopefully the worry that we would meet again caused them much concern.
I'm sorry you were robbed Peter-H. It is a horrible feeling but please don't let this ruin your camino. It is a special time for you.
Just pointing out that the post by @Walton was about a theft in 2016.Maybe the thing to do is take pictures of them and then report what you saw?
Which makes it all even more creepy....My guess this is not a random, one off situation. The perp is either walking along the Camino with you looking for similar opportunities or a local who gained access to the albergue surreptitiously and has probably done and will continue to do this many time. He/she is a wise one to return your wallet to avoid suspicion.
So sad to hear that. Was this a pilgrim only albergue?Cautionary note re robbery. I was in a sixteen bed dorm and all my money was stolen. My wallet had three hundred euros, one hundred Canadian dollars and fifty Australian dollars.
My wallet was secure (I thought). I believe someone saw me transfer the wallet to my walking shorts. The shorts, as well as shirt, socks, fleece etc were under my pack which was close to my face.
I believe the thief took the shorts, probably to the bathroom and cleaned out the wallet. The three different currencies were in different parts of the wallet, one being zipped up. The shorts were then returned with the wallet in place. I didn't realise I'd been robbed until just before I left. I asked if those still there had seen anything but predictability nobody did.
I am posting this thread with these details to illustrate how the opportunistic thief operates. My relatively good attention to security fell short sadly.
The loss won't break me, and as much as anything it's the violation the makes me angry. Sad that we have a low-life type like amongst us.
I won't let it define my Camino, however I thought I should share my experience as a note caution.
Buen Camino
Thanks. I hadn't noticed that!Just pointing out that the post by @Walton was about a theft in 2016.
Sorry to hear but a reminder to always have valuables on your person, not next to you nor even at the end of your sleeping bag.
Okay so I'll be clear what I mean..."an individual carrying pilgrim credentials" since it is my understanding that overnight accommodation at the Municipal Albergue in Zubiri is conditional upon having one !Depends on what you mean. Certainly the thieves may have stayed the night in the albergue, pretending to be, and looking like, fellow pilgrims. But I doubt that they are on their way to Santiago, or even the next stage.
Good point. If the perpetrator was someone staying in the albergue (if) their details would have been recorded. The police would then be able to a) check those details against their records of known criminals and suspects and b) check to find if the same names reappear at albergues where thefts occur. Using Alertcops will also alert the cops that thefts are happening in albergues and where.Unless I am mistaken … nearly fifty posts and nobody has mentioned the AlertCops app yet? Recommended to have for pilgrims. You don’t have to go and find a police station or wait in the morning until it opens, you can report a theft to the police via the app and in English.
PS: The app has numerous other features that can be useful.
Great that you pointed this out @Kathar1na as this app is still not widely known to many pilgrims and certainly needs promoting. There have been some teething issues, as is so often the case with the roll out of new tech, but the app's administrators appear to be on the ball and very keen to make this thing quick, easy and efficient to use...Unless I am mistaken … nearly fifty posts and nobody has mentioned the AlertCops app yet? Recommended to have for pilgrims. You don’t have to go and find a police station or wait in the morning until it opens, you can report a theft to the police via the app and in English.
PS: The app has numerous other features that can be useful.
Good point. If the perpetrator was someone staying in the albergue (if) their details would have been recorded. The police would then be able to a) check those details against their records of known criminals and suspects and b) check to find if the same names reappear at albergues where thefts occur. Using Alertcops will also alert the cops that thefts are happening in albergues and where.
I feel for you.Cautionary note re robbery. I was in a sixteen bed dorm and all my money was stolen. My wallet had three hundred euros, one hundred Canadian dollars and fifty Australian dollars.
My wallet was secure (I thought). I believe someone saw me transfer the wallet to my walking shorts. The shorts, as well as shirt, socks, fleece etc were under my pack which was close to my face.
I believe the thief took the shorts, probably to the bathroom and cleaned out the wallet. The three different currencies were in different parts of the wallet, one being zipped up. The shorts were then returned with the wallet in place. I didn't realise I'd been robbed until just before I left. I asked if those still there had seen anything but predictability nobody did.
I am posting this thread with these details to illustrate how the opportunistic thief operates. My relatively good attention to security fell short sadly.
The loss won't break me, and as much as anything it's the violation the makes me angry. Sad that we have a low-life type like amongst us.
I won't let it define my Camino, however I thought I should share my experience as a note caution.
Buen Camino
That is indeed the case, certainly in my experience. A couple of years ago I did three back-to-back Camino's; over 2000kms and 80+ days on the road and not a whiff of trouble. Peter's experience is far from the norm. In the event of a theft of any sort, the important takeaway in my view is to quickly inform the authorities, making as much fuss as you consider appropriate, and insist that they take immediate action. The Police will need our help, indeed they can only act on the information, clues and evidence we provide, and by so doing these criminals will eventually be caught. Until that time we must remain vigilant.99% of the people you are walking with have more good in them than bad, that is going to be my hope and I am sure that is the case
We are all saddened to hear of your loss and the stress now put on everyone to be more vigilant. Albergue registration are forwarded to the local police and many thieves have been tracked using this info. (we have witnessed the effectiveness as Hospitaleros) Onward, with caution, learning as we go.Cautionary note re robbery. I was in a sixteen bed dorm and all my money was stolen. My wallet had three hundred euros, one hundred Canadian dollars and fifty Australian dollars.
My wallet was secure (I thought). I believe someone saw me transfer the wallet to my walking shorts. The shorts, as well as shirt, socks, fleece etc were under my pack which was close to my face.
I believe the thief took the shorts, probably to the bathroom and cleaned out the wallet. The three different currencies were in different parts of the wallet, one being zipped up. The shorts were then returned with the wallet in place. I didn't realise I'd been robbed until just before I left. I asked if those still there had seen anything but predictability nobody did.
I am posting this thread with these details to illustrate how the opportunistic thief operates. My relatively good attention to security fell short sadly.
The loss won't break me, and as much as anything it's the violation the makes me angry. Sad that we have a low-life type like amongst us.
I won't let it define my Camino, however I thought I should share my experience as a note caution.
Buen Camino
Firstly my thanks to everyone who has added a comment to this thread. Especially thanks to those who encouraged me to report the theft.That is indeed the case, certainly in my experience. A couple of years ago I did three back-to-back Camino's; over 2000kms and 80+ days on the road and not a whiff of trouble. Peter's experience is far from the norm. In the event of a theft of any sort, the important takeaway in my view is to quickly inform the authorities, making as much fuss as you consider appropriate, and insist that they take immediate action. The Police will need our help, indeed they can only act on the information, clues and evidence we provide, and by so doing these criminals will eventually be caught. Until that time we must remain vigilant.
On May 17th I walk up the long hill once more, up and out of SJPDP on the first day of Camino number 9.
I will not allow Peter's unfortunate experience to negatively impact the spiritual wonder of the days that lie before me, and neither should you.
Are you thin? Heavy? I'm a little on the stocky side and wonder if this rolls up?This money belt is actually comfortable enough to sleep in. I have had many different money belts and neck pouches over the years, but this is the first one ever that is so comfortable that I forget that I have it on. (I don‘t know about putting a phone in it, but loaded up with money, credit cards and passport it’s still super comfortable.)
I’m not thin. I have a belly (unfortunately). It doesn’t roll, though it does ride up on me sometimes a little bit. Mainly it stays put. I wore it mostly with yoga-type pants (both inside and outside of them) and it was just like a thicker waistband.Are you thin? Heavy? I'm a little on the stocky side and wonder if this rolls up?
Thank you!I’m not thin. I have a belly (unfortunately). It doesn’t roll, though it does ride up on me sometimes a little bit. Mainly it stays put. I wore it mostly with yoga-type pants (both inside and outside of them) and it was just like a thicker waistband.
I just came back from Argentina. My flights were 34 hours door to door southbound and about 20 hours northbound. Because of the economic and banking situation in Argentina, I was carrying stacks of cash, so I wore it on the flights and literally forgot I had it on. I threw it in the wash with everything else, and it came out fine. Totally worth the money.
Did you carry loads of USD or use Western Union?I’m not thin. I have a belly (unfortunately). It doesn’t roll, though it does ride up on me sometimes a little bit. Mainly it stays put. I wore it mostly with yoga-type pants (both inside and outside of them) and it was just like a thicker waistband.
I just came back from Argentina. My flights were 34 hours door to door southbound and about 20 hours northbound. Because of the economic and banking situation in Argentina, I was carrying stacks of cash, so I wore it on the flights and literally forgot I had it on. I threw it in the wash with everything else, and it came out fine. Totally worth the money.
I don't think many people use Western Union anymore.Did you carry loads of USD or use Western Union?
Sorry talking about Argentina!!!I don't think many people use Western Union anymore.
You can get USD out of any ATM in Spain, pretty much, as long as you have an ATM card with a 4 digit pin (I always have used numerals, though I heard someone used a 4 letter pin). No need to buy Euros. Just get them when you arrive. Find a bank that will return your fees. I use Charles Schwab and get all my fees back at the end of each month, no matter what ATM I use.
I never carry more than 200 euros at a time.
I’ll private message you before we wander too far off topic.Sorry talking about Argentina!!!
Todays mid market is £1 = ARG 260 and WU is £1 = ARG 502. Wondering @Esperanza if USD got you more than WU at the cambios?
Sorry drifted off topic!
I just traveled to Argentina — and doubled my money with a 'black market' exchange rate
Hyperinflation has fueled the creation of multiple exchange rates in Argentina, where cash is king. There's a legal way for tourists to get a preferential rate.www.cnbc.com
It pays to wear a money belt under your clothing. I only take it off when showering and hang it on a hook with my clothes. At this time I take out what money I need for the next day. No one sees it or sees you aking money out of it.Cautionary note re robbery. I was in a sixteen bed dorm and all my money was stolen. My wallet had three hundred euros, one hundred Canadian dollars and fifty Australian dollars.
My wallet was secure (I thought). I believe someone saw me transfer the wallet to my walking shorts. The shorts, as well as shirt, socks, fleece etc were under my pack which was close to my face.
I believe the thief took the shorts, probably to the bathroom and cleaned out the wallet. The three different currencies were in different parts of the wallet, one being zipped up. The shorts were then returned with the wallet in place. I didn't realise I'd been robbed until just before I left. I asked if those still there had seen anything but predictability nobody did.
I am posting this thread with these details to illustrate how the opportunistic thief operates. My relatively good attention to security fell short sadly.
The loss won't break me, and as much as anything it's the violation the makes me angry. Sad that we have a low-life type like amongst us.
I won't let it define my Camino, however I thought I should share my experience as a note caution.
Buen Camino
Depends where you are. People in SE Asia use it all the time.don't think many people use Western Union anymore.
I am happy to hear this isolated incident has not affected your outlook on your walk. I wanted to share when similar things have happened to me, it has helped me to give as much grace to the situation as possible to help me with my feelings. For example, if you are driving behind a very slow driver, perhaps imagine it is a mom driving a birthday cake home for her family. In your situation, perhaps, the thief needs to feed a family and perhaps their circumstance made them feel stealing was the only option. It is not to condone the crime, but rather, helps me give grace in such a situation. Buen camino.
For example, if you are driving behind a very slow driver, perhaps imagine it is a mom driving a birthday cake home for her family. In your situation, perhaps, the thief needs to feed a family and perhaps their circumstance made them feel stealing was the only option.
Welcome to the forum, @lianelau. As you can see there are some pretty strenuous disagreements in response to your post, but I hope we can move on now. I am not about to weigh in on the morality of stealing if your children are going hungry (which seems like a no-brainer to me, but hey), or whether that was likely the situation in this case, but my takeaway from your post is that we would all do well to let go of the anger and bitterness that come with this terrible feeling of violation that descends upon you when you are the victim of theft. That’s very good advice, imho.I am happy to hear this isolated incident has not affected your outlook on your walk. I wanted to share when similar things have happened to me, it has helped me to give as much grace to the situation as possible to help me with my feelings. For example, if you are driving behind a very slow driver, perhaps imagine it is a mom driving a birthday cake home for her family. In your situation, perhaps, the thief needs to feed a family and perhaps their circumstance made them feel stealing was the only option. It is not to condone the crime, but rather, helps me give grace in such a situation. Buen camino.
I understand where you’re coming from but I really don’t regard ‘pilgrims’, let alone ‘PILGRIMS’ as special. 90% or more of us are tourists; and what if it had only been THREE or even ONE; would that have made a difference?Are you serious ?
Have you even bothered to read the incident details above ??
A thief, or thieves, masquerading as PILGRIMS, invested in overnight accommodation in an Albergue and then stole money and possessions from at least FOUR genuine pilgrims as they slept.
And they did all this because they needed to feed a family - is that your fantasy ??
Is that really supposed to make the victims feel better ?
@SabsP nailed it in one... "There is grace and there is naivety" !!
Thanks for the reply as a new user. I will not comment further on the thread, but only made my suggestion on perspective on processing emotions in a nonjudgmental manner. As I do this every day as a nurse.Welcome to the forum, @lianelau. As you can see there are some pretty strenuous disagreements in response to your post, but I hope we can move on now. I am not about to weigh in on the morality of stealing if your children are going hungry (which seems like a no-brainer to me, but hey), or whether that was likely the situation in this case, but my takeaway from your post is that we would all do well to let go of the anger and bitterness that come with this terrible feeling of violation that descends upon you when you are the victim of theft. That’s very good advice, imho.
There is the recognition of original sin and while doing our civic duty to afford the thief the opportunity to repent and reform, also accept the suffering which is separate from the reporting. Apologies if I have trespassed over the line into religion.Sorry , but what a strange train of thought!
Giving grace to the situation? Stealing is always a NO.
Honestly I am appalled you mention that this thief might need to feed his family! In my job I regularly work with people who are very short with money. They are honest people and would never turn to stealing.
There is grace and there is naivety.
Lianelau, I understand your purpose for suggesting ways to forgive a bad situation. I agree with you and I'm sorry some members here seem to feel you are naive or foolish. Sometimes you have to assume there was a good reason for a bad thing to have happened.I am happy to hear this isolated incident has not affected your outlook on your walk. I wanted to share when similar things have happened to me, it has helped me to give as much grace to the situation as possible to help me with my feelings. For example, if you are driving behind a very slow driver, perhaps imagine it is a mom driving a birthday cake home for her family. In your situation, perhaps, the thief needs to feed a family and perhaps their circumstance made them feel stealing was the only option. It is not to condone the crime, but rather, helps me give grace in such a situation. Buen camino.
That is lovely. Let's all remember this and react the same way should this happen on our camino.28 April 2005 as my companion and I were in Zubiri Municipal (old schoolhouse), a peregrina had her pack stolen from under her bed. Her bunk was near the door and it was likely that someone came in at night and stole the pack. But to frame the tragedy a bit differently----another peregrina "passed the hat" and got enough money to re-outfit the victim in Pamplona. My first and a very touching encounter with a Camino Angels. There were more later of course, but that kindness was the first and most touching.
In the US it is used a lot by migrant workers to send money back to their home countries.Depends where you are. People in SE Asia use it all the time.
Oh I am so sorry for your experience. It must be devastating.Cautionary note re robbery. I was in a sixteen bed dorm and all my money was stolen. My wallet had three hundred euros, one hundred Canadian dollars and fifty Australian dollars.
My wallet was secure (I thought). I believe someone saw me transfer the wallet to my walking shorts. The shorts, as well as shirt, socks, fleece etc were under my pack which was close to my face.
I believe the thief took the shorts, probably to the bathroom and cleaned out the wallet. The three different currencies were in different parts of the wallet, one being zipped up. The shorts were then returned with the wallet in place. I didn't realise I'd been robbed until just before I left. I asked if those still there had seen anything but predictability nobody did.
I am posting this thread with these details to illustrate how the opportunistic thief operates. My relatively good attention to security fell short sadly.
The loss won't break me, and as much as anything it's the violation the makes me angry. Sad that we have a low-life type like amongst us.
I won't let it define my Camino, however I thought I should share my experience as a note caution.
Buen Camino
Absolutely true. But I expect that money and passports have a lot more street value than credenciales (even those with lots of stamps), making them much more attractive targets for a thief.A reminder that, although very distressing, money and passports can eventually be replaced. A stamped credencial cannot.
Oddly enough I was warned more than once on the Shikoku pilgrimage circuit to guard the book in which my temple stamps and calligraphy were collected as they can be a target for theft. It seemed quite bizarre - especially in a country where petty theft is so rare!Absolutely true. But I expect that money and passports have a lot more street value than credenciales (even those with lots of stamps), making them much more attractive targets for a thief.
Thanks for sharing this app!Unless I am mistaken … nearly fifty posts and nobody has mentioned the AlertCops app yet? Recommended to have for pilgrims. You don’t have to go and find a police station or wait in the morning until it opens, you can report a theft to the police via the app and in English.
PS: The app has numerous other features that can be useful.
Sad news. Sorry for your loss, but also BIG sad for Camino trust.Cautionary note re robbery. I was in a sixteen bed dorm and all my money was stolen. My wallet had three hundred euros, one hundred Canadian dollars and fifty Australian dollars.
My wallet was secure (I thought). I believe someone saw me transfer the wallet to my walking shorts. The shorts, as well as shirt, socks, fleece etc were under my pack which was close to my face.
I believe the thief took the shorts, probably to the bathroom and cleaned out the wallet. The three different currencies were in different parts of the wallet, one being zipped up. The shorts were then returned with the wallet in place. I didn't realise I'd been robbed until just before I left. I asked if those still there had seen anything but predictability nobody did.
I am posting this thread with these details to illustrate how the opportunistic thief operates. My relatively good attention to security fell short sadly.
The loss won't break me, and as much as anything it's the violation the makes me angry. Sad that we have a low-life type like amongst us.
I won't let it define my Camino, however I thought I should share my experience as a note caution.
Buen Camino
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