Something terrible has happened

[liz d]

Gosh that is a really terrible thing to happen, your husband is a hero, hope some rest, sunshine and a couple of large drinks helps restore your nerves and the police catch the scumbags that did it.

belongings can always be replaced........glad you're both not hurt. x

 

[smg]

sorry to hear of your troubles, & hope you still get benefit from your trip

often a good idea to scan passports, travel documents, etc, before leaving, & save then electronically in a 'hotmail' location accessible from wherever you are

we also take pics of luggage & take them with us, to help if any missing items - have had to do this twice in 8 years where airlines did not attach baggage tags to case / windsurfer, saves a lot of grief if the worst happens, which, thankfully, is still not that often...

 

[Mandyproc]

How awful for you both!! Unfortunately there are a minority of cold calculating people who probably make a living from this type of thing - they should have their flaming hands chopped off at the least. My OH is always on at me to keep an eye on my handbag etc when we are travelling - don't think I will ever moan at him again.

One consolation you are in one of the nicest places in the world IMO so hopefully you will have a nice holiday and not let those scumbags spoil it too much for you.
A few stiff drinks in order I think!!!!

 

[jodave]

What an awful start for you and I hope you and your family can quickly get over it and start enjoying the holiday. This may be small comfort to you at this time but your post has revealed a host of excellent information from forum members, so thanks for taking the time to pass on the warning.

We were in the port last week and and the car we hired had an attempted break-in, damage to the roof and door. Car was mainly parked in front of hotel Pollentia but we think it may have happened when we parked in the car park near the Renault garage in Pollenca (start of the walk to the puig). It was very quiet at the time but mid day. Don't think we will us this car park again.

Piece of information that might help others: We paid the SCDW plus at Centauro (20 euro), a good buy in the circumstances as this meant we had nothing to pay when we returned the car. We were told that if we had pre paid for it via hire agent we would have to pay centauro then claim this back.

 

[med777]

sorry to hear about this nasty start to ur holiday, Susie just hope it doesn't overshadow ur holiday too much.
Any chance the Car Hire Co have CCTV footage ? Maybe worth a call.

Miriam

 

[Lady Pollenca]

So sorry to hear of your bad experience. We have seen this happen before at the airport car park so you do need to be extra vigilant, the two young guys we witnessed weren't wearing special clothing but were aged between 18 to 20 and snatched a bag from a lady when trying to get into her rental car.

 

[Rosie34]

Susie, that must have been so frightening and such a shock - and I hope you are managing to get things back on track now and at least have some relaxing time in PP - you need it. Thank you for the warning - we will certainly be extra careful at the car parking.

 

[mearsy]

Susie, that must have been so frightening for you. There's nothing worse than someone thinking that it's ok to help themselves to your stuff. It's one of the lowest things you can do, but when it happens on holiday, let alone at the start, well I can't imagine how you both must have felt.

I hope you can get the practical things sorted quickly and then put it behind you and be thankful that you have each other in one piece.

 

[psjd1]

Susie, I hope the trauma is starting to fade in the glorious surroundings of PP. We arrive next Saturday and your experience is a reminder to everyone.
The messages of support go to show to show the real human kindness that is out there!

I hope you enjoy the rest of your break.

 

[Sparky]

I spent an hour walking around the market today, checking on prices so i can update the shopping thread and i was amazed at the amount of men who had their wallets in their back pockets. PLEASE guys wake up and smell the coffee, the police were walking around but they can't be everywhere.

 

[eleanor]

Yes Sparky I think some people go on holiday but leave their brains at home! They probably wouldn't dream of risking their hard earned cash at home. The sun leads some people into a false sense of security. I think the recent posts have been a wake up call to all. Also I think a quick reminder to keep doors and shutters locked even when popping out for short time. We have got into the habit of locking up downstairs if we are on the upstairs terrace as it would be easy for someone to enter and be off without us being aware.
We need to give these people a fight and not make it easy for them.

 

[kate1]

You're absolutely right Eleanor - when my bag was pinched from our villa (stupidly I had left it on a table in full view of anyone peering through a window) I was actually in the back garden pegging out the washing - probably only 20 or 30 feet away, but I saw and heard nothing. We keep everything locked now and shutters down if we are out of sight and are also fitting electric locks to the front gates.

 

[Nick]

I do feel for you Susie, it's everyone's worst nightmare I can imagine.
I'd have gone after them the same as your husband did, you have to stand up to these people or they will simply target even more of us.

 

[onceroundthemarina]

So very sorry to hear of your awful experience, what a terrible shock it must have been for you all, sincerely hope that you can get things sorted out quickly and it doesn't spoil your holiday too much. There is something about being on holiday that makes us lower our guard a little, however that does not excuse the fact that these criminals are around ready to grasp an opportunity to cause distress. Do take comfort that no one was hurt and I wish you all the best, it was very brave to take the time to warn us all......and Sparky you are so right regarding men and their wallets...also I would like to remind people while watching the various football matches....why leave your wallets\phones\car keys on the table when you go up to the bar....as I said criminals are just watching and waiting......

 

[gladysP]

What a dreadful start to your holiday, I hope you aren't too traumatised to enjoy your holiday. I just wanted to echo what other posters have said. Be as careful abroad as you are at home. Our Sangrila ground floor apt was burgled in PP a few years ago because although I'd rolled the shutter down, the window wasn't properly closed behind it and they got in by pushing the shutter up & climbing in. The criminals must have been watching us. I lost some sentimental jewellry & learned a hard lesson.