Safety & Security in PP!!!

[Bean Counter]

Another suggestion is to have card protection insurance. I recently had my handbag stolen (in the UK) - with cards and keys.

Fortunately I had my mobile in my pocket (only way I can hear it these days!) and so was able to call my husband who then phoned CPP. The cards were instantly cancelled and new ones ordered - by CPP. I got the new cards within 7 days. Had this insurance for years and this was the first time I'd had to use the service. I have to say it was worth all those premiums just for the peace of mind and lack of hassle.

 

[Rangers1]

I have a Halifax clarity credit card and just take money out as I need it. When I withdraw money it gives me the going bank exchange rate not the tourist rate. Then at least I never have more money on me than I can afford to lose. I suppose then it depends what else you have with you whether the safe is a worthwhile investment. I must admit I don't always bother but I would if I had anything that I kept anything much of value in the room.


Funnily enough I spoke to the halifax about the clarity card, but as travelling this weekend I have left it too late.

Think I am going to go with a post office travel money card and some euros...unless I read something to put me off tonight!

Just hope most of the restaurants take it - it is a mastercard, so hopefully they will?!

Thanks again

Hi

Post office card is good as we have used it many times does charge 2.50 euros to take money from ATM the better one is Travelex card which again you can use anywhere but no charge for cash from ATM also you order on line and pick up at the airport, hope that helps

 

[Sparky]

Be aware of this!!!

I have just read this posted on FB :-

BEWARE all alcudia residents & tourists. There is a man going around pretending to be a Lebanese doc or dentist wanting to change his currency for a 50 euro note. He's very friendly looks like a tourist, camera around his neck panama hat etc. it's a scam please let your customers know!

I know this is happening in Alcudia but this guy could easily move on to the Port.

 

[pollensafan]

He wants to change his currency for a 50euro note.,,,,,,,,, No chance, that would be my 3 weeks spending money gone

 

[Tonsyl]

This guy sounds very similar, if not the same, as one who stopped us when we were staying in a Llenaire apartment last year. We were coming out of the apartment one morning when we were approached by someone who said he had just arrived from Lebanon and was looking for the Bank of Lebanon so that he could change some money. In my usual friendly manner I put the proverbial flea in his ear and walked away. I have to say though that I thought this guy was a nutter rather than a chancer, I could have been very mistaken.

 

[sws97sdg]

Can I just have a rant about the 50 euro note if thats ok, I hate them, how many times do you see a £50 note here, I think it is a security issue having to carry such large notes around with you. If you are unlucky and draw out 100 euros from a cash machine you may get two, then you have the problem of spending them, the look on peoples faces when you try to spend them, imaging in the UK going in to by a beer or something with a £50, imagine the reception you would get....sorry rant over, thanks for the warning though!

 

[copper]

I do agree about 50 euro notes out of cash machines

Why?? Here if you withdrew £200 you would get mostly £20 with a couple of £10 If I use a cash machine than gives me a mix of Euros i stick with that one Otherwise 50s have to be kept for the Supermarket or Restaurants

So I dont think you are ranting Just sensible !

 

[Sparky]

Yes i agree it is a pain but thankfully most businesses here know the situation and carry plenty of smaller notes .
When we use the cashpoint now, we tend to draw out odd amounts, for example 80€ or 180€, that way you don't get lumbered with just 50€ notes .

 

[sws97sdg]

Same here sparky, usually 90 euros so you can only get one!

 

[Jimbo the Jambo]

Can I just have a rant about the 50 euro note if thats ok, I hate them, how many times do you see a £50 note here, I think it is a security issue having to carry such large notes around with you. If you are unlucky and draw out 100 euros from a cash machine you may get two, then you have the problem of spending them, the look on peoples faces when you try to spend them, imaging in the UK going in to by a beer or something with a £50, imagine the reception you would get....sorry rant over, thanks for the warning though!

My wife has no problem spending 50e notes, it's effortless. You make an excellent point that in the UK we would hate £50 notes from an ATM etc. but over in PP it never bothers me, perhaps it should.

thanks, very thought provoking on the aspect of saftey.

jimbo

 

[Sparky]

Pick pocket alert!!!

Can i just once again remind everyone that the pick-pockets are still very active in the markets, shops and supermarkets .

 

[Major Tom]

The crime in Puerto Pollensa is on the increase and I hope someone in Authority
takes note to round up these thieves who are turning the dream into a nightmare !
In July I had my wallet stolen out of my pocket in the large Eroski Supermarket,
and was told the following day a villa had been burgled in Can Singala, and yeaterday
my 3rd floor apartment near the Illador Hotel was also burgled around 3 o'clock.
This has never happened to me, so everyone out there take note shut all windows
and double lock front doors if possible. Lets hope these nasty people get caught and removed from our dream place, I will sell my holiday apartment if things do not improve,
only time will tell.............

 

[Sparky]

I am so sorry to hear this has happened to you. All i can say is everyone needs to be constantly aware that thieves are here. The police are catching many of them but like their counterparts in all other parts of the world, they can't be everywhere all of the time .

 

[eleanor]

This is truly awful plackyman but crime is increasing everywhere. When it happens to you I know it is especially upsetting. For a third floor apartment to be broken into shows a determination and implies targetting which is just horrid. I do think that PP has a much lower crime rate then many other places although ststistics do not help if you are a victim of crime. I think also we need to remember that August is the busiest of months and therefore many more people are around for temptation. Equally we can not assume that all crime is by locals as I have been told that some thieves actually target places to spend their 'holiday'!
A warning to to us all to be on our guard at all times.

 

[Nick]

Very sorry to hear about that plackeyman. Theft is bad enough but burglary is far worse. Having some piece of vermin defile your property is horrendous.

You say you're 3 floors up. I assume therefore they forced the door? Is that correct?
Purely out of security interest as my apartment is 2 floors up.

Cheers.

 

[alhambra]

pick pockets in eroski

Have heard 2 people were pickpocketed in Eroksi within the last 10 days and also a lady had her handbag removed from inside the car as she was loading her shopping sad times so be on your guard !!

 

[christwodogs]

From my observations there, professional thieves could have a field day if they wanted. Its surprising how people relax thinking its a safe place.

I wont mention my previous background, but next time you're there just sit on the beach and watch how many folks have a decent camera and then drop it in a bag hiding under a towel thinking its safe there, then head off for a dip. it ould be so easy to walk by and lift the bag.

The amount of folks you see with bags open in the busy supermarkets/ streets markets are crying out to be dipped.

Its nothing like Barcelona where you do have to be on your guard constantly.

The effects of theft and burglary are awful more so on your well earned jollies. Not a good advert for the island and country, but it happens here in rainy uk as well, just a fact of todays society.

 

[spammy]

The trouble is, you're on holiday, and you do relax more. We'll be extra careful now because of all these incidents

 

[Chocaholic]

And that's what the criminals are counting on! It always amazed me how many burglaries were carried out on Saturdays, arrival day, when people come in, dump everything and go out for a meal, only to come back and discover all of it gone.
As has been said, the best way to protect yourself is to always be aware of where your belongings are and to act as you would at home.

 

[Tiggy]

Just a quick update .... there are a team of pickpockets two or three women -in action - two distract and one does the nudge and handbag dip ... thankfully they didn't get anything ..my purse was sipped in an inside deep pocket in my bag.

Once at the boutique on the front and once in the Charity shop! they are not picky !!! sorry no pun intended.

Plus gents beware Decathlon @ Alcampo especially when the shop#s full ( i.e. Saturday or a rainy day) ..I have it on good authority here is now a favourite pickpocket haunt.