Thieves on the beach

Posted: Mon Sep 18, 2023 8:53pm

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Grannyrose

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We were on the beach beside Blondy’s Beach Bar today as usual. I was reading and my husband was doing the crossword so we weren’t looking around us. A lovely young man came over to ask if we’d seen anyone remove property from their things on the beach. We’d seen absolutely nothing so I suggested that they ask others close by. Nobody had seen a thing. Their bag with passports, phones, car keys, apartment keys , credit cards and money had all been stolen. We felt dreadful that we hadn’t seen or been able to prevent this theft. A young person spoke their language and allowed them to use her phone. They packed up and we’re leaving when I called them over to suggest searching the bins and areas leading off the beach. This seemed to surprise them but I explained that opportunists would want to have their possessions on them incase the police stopped and searched them and there was a chance that the bag might be thrown away and worth looking for. A few minutes later, one of the girls came racing down the beach to tell us that they found the bag with keys and passports still in it. They were jubilant and so thankful for our advice. They could now get into their car and drive to their apartment with their passports. We too were delighted for them and so glad that we’d suggested searching.

I’m telling you this story as a warning. This happened to four young French people on the beach last year. It must be happening daily and these low lives are slick and darned good at stealing without being detected.

Don’t bring valuables with you to the beach. Buy a waterproof pouch to keep your phone and credit card in and wear it around your neck. Do make it easy for thieves. If you are going in to the sea together. Ask your neighbour to watch your possessions.

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Posted: Mon Sep 18, 2023 10:34pm

Sligogent

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Posted: Mon Sep 18, 2023 10:34pm

Very good 👍 advice. But people should use a bit of common sense 🤔 too. Leave valuables at home. Use a Safe if one in your accommodation or install one if you own property. Low life always target people who are enjoying themselves especially when Alcohol is involved.

Always be cautious ⚠️ when on a beach with strangers. Yes not everyone is a bad egg. Just the minority who cause pain for the decent folks

Posted: Tue Sep 19, 2023 8:34am

elinspain

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Posted: Tue Sep 19, 2023 8:34am

Hello

These events are not rare, beaches are perfect places to take peoples belongings because they are carelessly left when people go in the sea or to beach bars.

Why would you need passports, credit cards at the beach? Ive seen bags left in full view, open & abandoned for 30 -45mins, without a word to anyone closeby, all but inviting the thieves to help themselves.

What surprises me is that people are still surprised it happens!

Cheers

Elinspain

Posted: Tue Sep 19, 2023 12:49pm

Bibba

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Posted: Tue Sep 19, 2023 12:49pm

It is my impression that thief's are worse this year than previously. They used to keep to valuables, but now they steal clothing, towels, baby equipment, umbrellas/parasols and even sun hats. Anything that is easy to pick, and from anywhere there are people around.

It is starting to feel like a problem, especially on the beach. Being able to leave your beach-stuff is kind of a must for a really good beach experience.

When bags or wallets is taken, looking in nearby dustbins are still good advice though. One never knows.

Asking the person next to you to keep an eye on things may give a sense of false security, especially if you stay away for some time. Doesn't mean you shouldn't do it, just be aware. Chances are they still will be focused on their own experience, and the thiefs know their trade.