crime - Burglary

[tanpug2]

Hi, I have been coming to PP on and off now for 25 plus years, as a kid with my parents and now as dad myself with my young family. I have always found it a great place especially for my kids, safe beaches and a very safe environment (atleast I thought it was??) any way, in may we came again for our 5th time in 3 years. We stayed at the same appt - right on the front in the pinewalk end just before the big dogleg before I'lla D'or for those familiar.
Anyway, we felt like for our first week that we were really being watched - to be fair we joked about it thinking people perhaps thought my wife and I were someone else! It was a bit odd, people would really stare and without being crude - none british - and people appeared to take photo's of the kids and then disappear! Anyhow, one week in - 2.30am 15th May (sunday) my wife woke with a burglar leaning across her in our bedroom! She screamed as you might expect, I leapt out of bed and spotted the guy still there and gave chase,he ran and jumped straight of the balcony (1st floor) - rather than jump I went for the door and stairs! I also noticed my car keys amongst many things had gone and thought get to the car before him! Anyway, car was already gone!! I chased but he got away! The police didn't do much other than take the details - we had a laptop, 2 mobiles & blackberry stolen, my wallet, 2 camera's, camcorder, car keys for our key at the airport in the uk, 2 pairs of raybans, about £400, sat nav, car (bloomin big minibus people carrier) and childrens car seats all stolen, oh and watches and jewellery stolen!! It was terrible, of personal documentation the only thing left was our passports! Fortunately waking us meant we cancelled all our cards before they accessed those accounts!
The police found nothing which staggers me as that car was unique and huge!!! AND I gave them the IMEI no's for my stolen phones which meant they could be blocked and more importantly tracked if used!
As you might expect my wife (heavily pregnant at the time) and I felt quite traumatised and scarily after a couple of days ( we stuck around hoping the police might find something) we started being watched again! To the extent a middle aged women at one point quite clearly spun round and photo'd my youngest son and ran, the next morning 2 women(this time young, 20ish) tried to attract the same son over to them on the beach and ran when I went to grab him! Scary scary stuff as it felt very much like those who came into our appt didn't get what they want when the broke in! was it one of our boys??
Just for reference, the apartment was securely locked and the theives crossed over a balcony of the neighbours whose windows were not just unlocked but open!!! So not opportunists! Police said their is a gang that they can't catch! Thing is they never steal hire cars or go into bedrooms OR bother with anything not ground floor!
There is loads more, someone viewed the appt whilst we were there, left marks on the window were the bolts are etc! Very planned. Since then some friends have been and friends they went with got broken into in a similar way! When I look into it the evidence suggests its becoming more widespread - has anyone else experienced anything? More to the point does anyone know if this gang has been caught yet?
Having holidayed there for so many years its hard to imagine not returning and yet the thought scares the life out of me!
SO, I am looking for info to tell me they are caught AND has anyone ever been anywhere else as nice for kids OR know of a mega secure appt in PP??

Steve

 

[pollensa]

Steve,

your experience sounds absolutely horrific. I'm afraid I don't know anything about this gang but I have heard from the company who looks after our apartment that there have been a lot of burglaries this year. We also heard from our Community Administrator that our neighbours had been burgled and that we are having new gates added to stop people wandering round the back of our apartment block.

I realise that this is too late for you, but was there a safe in your apartment? Although it's a pain we always put all our valuables in our safe & never leave the hire car keys out.

I'm afraid I really don't know what else to suggest.

 

[pips]

I was just telling my hubby last night when we are out to close and lock the balcony doors at all times we have a 16 year old daughter with us I would hate anything to happen as we always feel so safe in PP.

 

[siren73]

Call me a cynic, but this story has more holes than a seive. Frankly. I don't believe it.

 

[copper]

That sounds the most horrific experience imaginable I have always felt very safe in Puerto Pollensa I would have thought an English speaking local newspaper would be a good place to report this to make other holidaymakers be on their guard

We have recently returned from there but after we came back some people we know fit people in there 70s said the husband was robbed at the bus stop in PP They were off to Formentor and her husband got his wallet out to get the bus fare out then zipped the wallet into the leg pocket of his shorts His wife got on the bus and someone pushed him with a backpack nearly knocking him over to talk to the driver and when he got to Formentor he realised his wallet had gone Obviously set up !! but this is just standard tourist crime you get anywhere you get lots of people She said the Hotel were great at helping them and the Police helpful

 

[Smiddy]

Hi, I have been coming to PP on and off now for 25 plus years, as a kid with my parents and now as dad myself with my young family. I have always found it a great place especially for my kids, safe beaches and a very safe environment (atleast I thought it was??) any way, in may we came again for our 5th time in 3 years. We stayed at the same appt - right on the front in the pinewalk end just before the big dogleg before I'lla D'or for those familiar.
Anyway, we felt like for our first week that we were really being watched - to be fair we joked about it thinking people perhaps thought my wife and I were someone else! It was a bit odd, people would really stare and without being crude - none british - and people appeared to take photo's of the kids and then disappear! Anyhow, one week in - 2.30am 15th May (sunday) my wife woke with a burglar leaning across her in our bedroom! She screamed as you might expect, I leapt out of bed and spotted the guy still there and gave chase,he ran and jumped straight of the balcony (1st floor) - rather than jump I went for the door and stairs! I also noticed my car keys amongst many things had gone and thought get to the car before him! Anyway, car was already gone!! I chased but he got away! The police didn't do much other than take the details - we had a laptop, 2 mobiles & blackberry stolen, my wallet, 2 camera's, camcorder, car keys for our key at the airport in the uk, 2 pairs of raybans, about £400, sat nav, car (bloomin big minibus people carrier) and childrens car seats all stolen, oh and watches and jewellery stolen!! It was terrible, of personal documentation the only thing left was our passports! Fortunately waking us meant we cancelled all our cards before they accessed those accounts!
The police found nothing which staggers me as that car was unique and huge!!! AND I gave them the IMEI no's for my stolen phones which meant they could be blocked and more importantly tracked if used!
As you might expect my wife (heavily pregnant at the time) and I felt quite traumatised and scarily after a couple of days ( we stuck around hoping the police might find something) we started being watched again! To the extent a middle aged women at one point quite clearly spun round and photo'd my youngest son and ran, the next morning 2 women(this time young, 20ish) tried to attract the same son over to them on the beach and ran when I went to grab him! Scary scary stuff as it felt very much like those who came into our appt didn't get what they want when the broke in! was it one of our boys??
Just for reference, the apartment was securely locked and the theives crossed over a balcony of the neighbours whose windows were not just unlocked but open!!! So not opportunists! Police said their is a gang that they can't catch! Thing is they never steal hire cars or go into bedrooms OR bother with anything not ground floor!
There is loads more, someone viewed the appt whilst we were there, left marks on the window were the bolts are etc! Very planned. Since then some friends have been and friends they went with got broken into in a similar way! When I look into it the evidence suggests its becoming more widespread - has anyone else experienced anything? More to the point does anyone know if this gang has been caught yet?
Having holidayed there for so many years its hard to imagine not returning and yet the thought scares the life out of me!
SO, I am looking for info to tell me they are caught AND has anyone ever been anywhere else as nice for kids OR know of a mega secure appt in PP??

Steve

Anybody else want to find holes in this fantasy? A ridiculous scare story, really, people getting their photos taken, children being approached on the beach

 

[kate1]

It does sound extraordinary to say the least - have heard of people having apartments broken into while they are not there - and have had our villa broken into - but certainly nothing like this... In fact in my 16 years of coming to PP twice a year I have never heard of such a crime. Given its nature it does seem strange that it has not been reported. What a lot of valuable equipment some families take with them on holiday! Two cameras AND a camcorder! Two mobiles AND a Blackberry AND a laptop AND satnav! Presumably all of these items were left lying around in open view, since the 'burglar' made no sound looking for them. No comment as far as that is concerned, but I would be careful to put all my valuables either in a safe or somewhere out of sight and inaccessible. And maybe try and limit the valuables in my luggage to the bare minimum. Just in case Spiderman and his enormous swag bag does decide to drop by...

 

[its cd]

I would not like to comment re whether or not this is true because if taken at face value it is an awful experience that you would not wish on anybody . One thing i didnt really understand though was the comment about people staring in a non british way and it being crude . Is there a british way of staring? I only ask because i often people watch and would hate to think that peoe were put ill at ease because of the manner in which I was watching them .... Especially as people are bound to be more alert after reading such posts.

At the end of the day crime exists everywhere and in bad economic times tends to increase , however I still truly believe that pp is safer than most uk towns and cities and would hate to think that people get so concerned that they swap sensible vigilance with a level of concern that ruins their enjoyment because apart from the odd unfortunate case I dont believe anyone is at any more risk than they are in most other places

 

[Smiddy]

at best it is a badly written piece of fantasy, at worst something more sinister designed to put people off going on holiday to PP. I would welcome a copy of the police report!

 

[MairiCladach]

Feels awful to doubt the account but it doesn't quite hang together at all.

And what did you mean, tanpug2, by saying that 'someone viewed the apartment ...left marks on the windows...'. Also, if you don't think that the crime fits with the profile of the 'gang' then why are you so interested in whether the gang have been caught?

Of course it must have been dreadful if events did indeed unfold as claimed, and surely the people of Puerto Pollensa should have been informed by the police of the dangers posed, particularly to any children in the area.

Has anyone in the Port found out any more factual details about the incident?

 

[kate1]

It just doesn't have the ring of plausibility, for many reasons. If in fact it is true then I humbly beg Steve's apology. But I have never heard of a property in PP being entered in the middle of the night while the residents are inside. And just so many details don't stack up.

If it is in fact false, put on this forum for whatever reason, it does worry me that some potential visitors to PP will believe this is a highly dangerous resort, where neither property nor children are safe from criminal gangs. Does the board moderator have any way of verifying the identity of the forum member and checking his story? I would hate people to be scared away, or to feel that they cannot sleep safely in their beds at night, as a result of this post.

 

[pollensa]

Right, regardless of the scepticism of a lot of members, I have now verified this report. I have had contact with Steve and have read the crime report which is as he described. He has been very good in providing me with the information amidst the comments that have been posted here.

I cannot comment on the aspects relating to the children but the burglary took place as described and the items mentioned including the car were reported as stolen.

 

[kate1]

Then I do indeed most sincerely beg Steves apology. Guess we are all so used to PP being a safe haven that we just don't want to admit anything could threaten that...At least no one was hurt and hopefully it may have been an opportunistic thief just passing through rather than a problem which is here to stay. So PLEASE everyone, keep your valuables hidden away!

 

[WRIGHTSTUFF]

I'm utterly horrified by this, I know there is crime everywhere but as I'm due to stay very near where this happened and until now have allowed my boys a little freedom on holiday. I'm actually quite frightened.

I guess I just keep them with me and securely lock the property at night..



I'm particularly worried about the photos of the children being taken. (belongings can be replaced)
Steve said he wondered if these people thought he was someone else. Is it a possibilty that they could have been paps. Do steve and his wife possibly look like celebs?

 

[tanpug2]

believe it or not!

So, for the sceptics - I am sorry if my articulation makes this sound fiction!
Siren, Smiddy & Kate - you are welcome to a copy of the report! There were 2 sets of adults in the apt for those stating the number of phones and camera's was not plausable. The laptop and blackberry are musts for me due to my work.
Marks on the window - relates to a piece of paper rolled up and wedged in the seal of the window right next to the bolt head - when outside it visibly marks the location of the bolt which was lifted by the burglars (all in the police report).
All our valuables were out of site with curtains drawn AND the doors securely locked an bolted - again in the police report.
The person who viewed the apt (ho ho ho to all your extremely hilarious comments on this) was escorted with an estate agent, the owner requested my permission - why would I say no?? Unless ofcourse you worry something like this would happen which frankly never crossed my mind!

Kate - never said looked at me in a none british way, the people staring were not british.

Look, I am pretty offended by the reaction I have received to this, I posted it in hope people are more alert - as the police said to me if you feel you are being watched - you probably are, if someone appears to photo you - photo them etc etc! Sadly, perhaps a comic moment for you - when Sebby was photo'd I couldn't photo them coz my camera was stolen in the original burglary!

I had actually hoped people would be more re-assuring about returning - my boys love PP and its really hard to imagine not returning but we are scared to do so in the same breath!
Thanks to those who offered sympathy and I hope it makes people open there eyes a little.

Just one last thing, someone commented on my original Post and thus validity.....'Coral is rubbish' - you serious that you disagree???!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I like many people have been coming to PP for longer than I care to mention, I love the place it has so many great memories for me so for those suggesting I am a 'troll'....thanks...but I am not.

 

[WRIGHTSTUFF]

Steve I like you have boys who love the place. And I am so sorry you feel the way you do and I can't say I blame you.

Thank you for the warning.

From a very concerned mum of 5 boys

 

[favie]

Utterly Horrified indeed.....my sympathy to Steve in having this nightmare happen to him and his family and of course for being disbelieved!! I pray we hear that "This Gang" will be caught.

 

[Belladonna]

One of the worst incidents I have heard about. My sympathies to your family Steve for having to experience such a thing. I do hope the police come through for you and catch these criminals.

 

[kate1]

As I said I am very sorry for doubting you. I am hanging my head in shame, believe me! Having been burgled myself in PP while I was in the property I know what a horrible experience it can be. I think perhaps some of us were sceptical because of the mention of possible child abduction as well as the burglary - it made it seem unbelievable because it is unheard of in PP. Do you think it could have been mistaken identity, as Wrightstuff says, and that they had no connection with the burglar? If the intentions of the photographers were sinister, it seems strange that they let you see them hanging around, not once but on several occasions. But I shall certainly be more vigilant with my own kids when next in PP.

I guess it's possible that the burglar had previously been working/staying at the apartment and had cased the joint then.

Anyway it is definitely a wake-up call and yet another warning that we can't be complacent when on holiday. Once again I am sorry for causing offence by doubting your story.

(Actually it wasn't me who referred to the Britishness, or non-Britishness, of the people you saw. But when we were burgled several locals did say that much of the opportunistic crime on the island was carried out by Eastern European gangs. Have no idea whether this is true or whether, understandably, they would prefer it not to be one of their own.)

 

[animagic21]

Steve, I was another person doubting your story. I am utterly shocked about what has happened to you and your family. Hopefully the Police WILL catch these people. In the meantime we must all be more careful than usual.We are due to visit PP in Oct, staying near to your apartment. Will certainly lock our possessions in the safe etc. Sorry for doubting you and Best Wishes for the expected new baby.