Wallet Stolen in Granada - Lessons Learned
Mar 22nd, 2009, 12:27 PM
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Wallet Stolen in Granada - Lessons Learned
Hi Fodorites -
I was in Granada, Spain last week when my wallet was stolen from my purse. I wanted to share with you my lessons learned from this experience and just remind people to be vigilant.
First of all, please know that I take full responsiblity for being careless. I know the moneybelt fans are saying "I told you so" as I type this.
Although I will never know for sure, this is how I believe it happened -- it was our second morning in Granada, we had just visited the Cathedral and were sitting in the plaza near the cathedral people watching. About 1:30 pm we decided to have lunch at an outdoor cafe on the plaza. We chose a table near the wall, which was essentially a canvas partition to seperate the restaurant from the plaza. I put my purse down at my left between my foot and the wall. Shortly after we sat down, a young man sat down at the table behind me, but essentially faced his chair to my back (not terribly strange since we were outdoors). He ordered only a cup of coffee. It took him just about as long to drink his coffee as we did to eat our lunch. When he left my husband even commented "that guy behind you was creepy, he looked like he had a bomb in his backpack." Our waiter had not come outside to the patio for about 20 minutes, so I finally went inside to ask for the check and of course, when I went to pay, my wallet was gone. Independently, my husband and I both wondered if the waiter was in on it too.
The funny thing is that my purse is very big and very deep. I carry a big one so I can put my digital SLR in it when I'm not taking pictures. And more than once my husband was exasperated when I have to dig to find my wallet. So the thief was pretty smooth, because I had no idea.
He got away with about $300 (combination euro & American dollars), two credit cards, my ticket for my car at the airport parking lot and some insurance cards. So while an expensive lesson, not so bad in retrospect. I still had my passport, phone and camera which were all in my purse as well. I had made copies of my credit cards and put them in my carry on luggage so was able to call and cancel the credit cards.
So here's what I learned:
- If you're at a restaurant and put your purse at your feet, loop your foot or the leg of your chair through the straps or put it in front of your feet. I carry a big bag due to the camera, but if I'm not carrying the camera I use a cross body purse that I can just leave on.
-take a spare credit card and store it apart from your wallet/purse. Even if it would get stolen out of your hotel, you'd only be liable for $50
-if there are two of you traveling together, split the cash on hand. Naturally, on this day, I was the one carrying all the cash.
-make sure you have non 800 numbers for your credit card companies as I could not get the 800 number to work for one of mine. Thankfully, I had a non 800 number for the other and they transferred me to my bank.
-have copies of your key documents in a seperate piece of luggage (I never thought I would need them but I did and was glad!)
I'd love to hear other suggestions of precautions that others take and any advice on things I should do in terms of fraud monitoring as well.
While a very expensive lesson, I worked hard to not let this ruin my week in Spain. I'll post a trip report later to tell you all of the good things
I was in Granada, Spain last week when my wallet was stolen from my purse. I wanted to share with you my lessons learned from this experience and just remind people to be vigilant.
First of all, please know that I take full responsiblity for being careless. I know the moneybelt fans are saying "I told you so" as I type this.
Although I will never know for sure, this is how I believe it happened -- it was our second morning in Granada, we had just visited the Cathedral and were sitting in the plaza near the cathedral people watching. About 1:30 pm we decided to have lunch at an outdoor cafe on the plaza. We chose a table near the wall, which was essentially a canvas partition to seperate the restaurant from the plaza. I put my purse down at my left between my foot and the wall. Shortly after we sat down, a young man sat down at the table behind me, but essentially faced his chair to my back (not terribly strange since we were outdoors). He ordered only a cup of coffee. It took him just about as long to drink his coffee as we did to eat our lunch. When he left my husband even commented "that guy behind you was creepy, he looked like he had a bomb in his backpack." Our waiter had not come outside to the patio for about 20 minutes, so I finally went inside to ask for the check and of course, when I went to pay, my wallet was gone. Independently, my husband and I both wondered if the waiter was in on it too.
The funny thing is that my purse is very big and very deep. I carry a big one so I can put my digital SLR in it when I'm not taking pictures. And more than once my husband was exasperated when I have to dig to find my wallet. So the thief was pretty smooth, because I had no idea.
He got away with about $300 (combination euro & American dollars), two credit cards, my ticket for my car at the airport parking lot and some insurance cards. So while an expensive lesson, not so bad in retrospect. I still had my passport, phone and camera which were all in my purse as well. I had made copies of my credit cards and put them in my carry on luggage so was able to call and cancel the credit cards.
So here's what I learned:
- If you're at a restaurant and put your purse at your feet, loop your foot or the leg of your chair through the straps or put it in front of your feet. I carry a big bag due to the camera, but if I'm not carrying the camera I use a cross body purse that I can just leave on.
-take a spare credit card and store it apart from your wallet/purse. Even if it would get stolen out of your hotel, you'd only be liable for $50
-if there are two of you traveling together, split the cash on hand. Naturally, on this day, I was the one carrying all the cash.
-make sure you have non 800 numbers for your credit card companies as I could not get the 800 number to work for one of mine. Thankfully, I had a non 800 number for the other and they transferred me to my bank.
-have copies of your key documents in a seperate piece of luggage (I never thought I would need them but I did and was glad!)
I'd love to hear other suggestions of precautions that others take and any advice on things I should do in terms of fraud monitoring as well.
While a very expensive lesson, I worked hard to not let this ruin my week in Spain. I'll post a trip report later to tell you all of the good things
Mar 22nd, 2009, 12:41 PM
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Sorry to hear about your bad experience.
I know that people will tell you the perfect tricks not to get pickpocketed, but eventually you can only minimize the risk by not having much to steal with you.
I think that 300 in cash was a bit too much - I rarely carry more than 50 or 100. Credit cards are insured, so no big deal, just some hassle.
I'm usually quite careless (to a limited degree!), but I guess I just look like there is too little to gain for pickpockets.
I know that people will tell you the perfect tricks not to get pickpocketed, but eventually you can only minimize the risk by not having much to steal with you.
I think that 300 in cash was a bit too much - I rarely carry more than 50 or 100. Credit cards are insured, so no big deal, just some hassle.
I'm usually quite careless (to a limited degree!), but I guess I just look like there is too little to gain for pickpockets.
Mar 22nd, 2009, 12:44 PM
#3
All of your suggestions are good. We also both carry a different credit card.
I haven't carried a purse in Europe for years after a very little bag I was using was stolen. For some reason, that was the first morning I had put my credit card in my front pants pocket instead of my purse. All they got was 25 euros,a copy of my passport, a lipstick, and some tic-tacs.
My husband uses a cloth, zipper pocket with 2 loops that go on his belt and then you flip it inside your pants.
I haven't had any problem putting some cash, a credit card, a passport copy in my pockets.
I'm glad you didn't let it ruin your trip.
I haven't carried a purse in Europe for years after a very little bag I was using was stolen. For some reason, that was the first morning I had put my credit card in my front pants pocket instead of my purse. All they got was 25 euros,a copy of my passport, a lipstick, and some tic-tacs.
My husband uses a cloth, zipper pocket with 2 loops that go on his belt and then you flip it inside your pants.
I haven't had any problem putting some cash, a credit card, a passport copy in my pockets.
I'm glad you didn't let it ruin your trip.
Mar 22nd, 2009, 01:03 PM
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Yes, I agree that I had too much cash. I rarely carry so much, but had heard that many of the small restaurants don't take credit cards. In addition, we had checked out of our hotel and the luggage was not being stowed in a secure location so I had it all with me.
Mar 22nd, 2009, 01:37 PM
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I split cc/debit card/cash in at least three different ways so most any thief can get away at a time is 1/3 of the fund/cards if they could.
And yes, I use a money belt, so I don't have to be aware of surrounding all the time and still be protected even when I get distracted.
Someone got into my daypack in Barcelona, but I was prepared. All it had were guidebooks, maps, a bottle of water, an umbrella, and a sweater. He took nothing but left me a calling card consisting of open daypack zippers. Someone tried to lift my wallet from my front pants pocket in London. I caught him just as his hand reached into my pocket. Even if he succeeded, all he would gotten was a decoy wallet with nothing of value in it.
And yes, I use a money belt, so I don't have to be aware of surrounding all the time and still be protected even when I get distracted.
Someone got into my daypack in Barcelona, but I was prepared. All it had were guidebooks, maps, a bottle of water, an umbrella, and a sweater. He took nothing but left me a calling card consisting of open daypack zippers. Someone tried to lift my wallet from my front pants pocket in London. I caught him just as his hand reached into my pocket. Even if he succeeded, all he would gotten was a decoy wallet with nothing of value in it.
Mar 22nd, 2009, 01:40 PM
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I always my purse within my eyesight, either on my lap, or on the chair next me,which I rarely do, with the strap wrapped around the chair or to something else that makes it difficult to just take it and run.
But mainly, it stays on my lap, since it's usually worn across my chest anyway, it's the easiest thing.
Sorry that happened to you, but you certainly seemed to have the best attitude about it and the only thing I would add is trust your instinct, if you feel someone is not right, as you and your husband did, assume you are right and be on the offensive.
But mainly, it stays on my lap, since it's usually worn across my chest anyway, it's the easiest thing.
Sorry that happened to you, but you certainly seemed to have the best attitude about it and the only thing I would add is trust your instinct, if you feel someone is not right, as you and your husband did, assume you are right and be on the offensive.
Mar 22nd, 2009, 04:44 PM
#9
thanks for this, sferguso.
fortunately [and I'm touching wood here] I've been lucky so far. but we're off to Krakow in 10 days time, and I'll use your thread to remind me to be vigilant. anyway, i wouldn't want to carry a handbag as it would only aggravate my bad shoulder, right?
thanks again,
regards, ann
fortunately [and I'm touching wood here] I've been lucky so far. but we're off to Krakow in 10 days time, and I'll use your thread to remind me to be vigilant. anyway, i wouldn't want to carry a handbag as it would only aggravate my bad shoulder, right?
thanks again,
regards, ann
Mar 22nd, 2009, 05:11 PM
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My wife and I were eating at a cafe in Barcelona last summer and I had our backpack with all our valuables about 3 inches away from my feet. Two men in their early twenties came by and sat a couple tables away. They didn't look really honest or really dishonest. Anyway the restaurant proprietor did not serve them and shooed them away. Clearly they were after our backpack and if it weren't for the vigilance of the proprietor they may have got it.
Eric
Eric
Mar 22nd, 2009, 05:21 PM
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Sorry for your loss. but you committed one of the cardinal sins - NEVER let go of your purse in public. (Within eyesight isn't good enough, it can be grabbed in an instant - you have to have control of it at all times - esp in buffet breakfast rooms in hotels.)
And I don;t care if this is Granada or the US. I saw a kid run buy and grab a woman's purse off the chair next to her in an expensive outdoor cafe in ultra-exclusive Greenwich CT.
When eating either keep the purse in your lap, or, if it's too large, place it between your feet with the strap wrapped around your ankle or knee. And if anyone but the waiter comes near you, pick it up and keep it on your lap.
And you don;t need a money belt. I've never used anything but a regular purse and in more than 70 trips have never had a problem. BUT I'm a native New Yorker and there are things that are obvious/second nature to me of which other people don;t seem to be aware.
And I don;t care if this is Granada or the US. I saw a kid run buy and grab a woman's purse off the chair next to her in an expensive outdoor cafe in ultra-exclusive Greenwich CT.
When eating either keep the purse in your lap, or, if it's too large, place it between your feet with the strap wrapped around your ankle or knee. And if anyone but the waiter comes near you, pick it up and keep it on your lap.
And you don;t need a money belt. I've never used anything but a regular purse and in more than 70 trips have never had a problem. BUT I'm a native New Yorker and there are things that are obvious/second nature to me of which other people don;t seem to be aware.
Mar 22nd, 2009, 05:44 PM
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sferguso, sorry for your loss but admire your spirit! Been in Spain a few times (love it!) but on each trip have witnessed or heard of similar incidents suffered by fellow travelers.
Your detailed description of your unfortunate event is a reminder to us all. Thank you.
Your detailed description of your unfortunate event is a reminder to us all. Thank you.
Mar 22nd, 2009, 06:12 PM
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In retrospect, I guess you were actually lucky to have lost so little, compared to what you had in your bag. Still, sorry for your bad experience, but admire your attitude!
<b> Never carry your passport.
Carry a photocopy, not the actual document.
<b> Never carry your passport.
Carry a photocopy, not the actual document.
Mar 23rd, 2009, 04:56 AM
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The same thing has happened to friends in New Orleans and to many people in the Back Bay in Boston, where a respectable looking man and woman did the same thing in cafes for a week or two a couple of years ago until they moved on to another city. You have a great attitude ("stuff happens") and everyone has given good suggestions for minimizing losses.
Mar 23rd, 2009, 05:13 AM
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Haven't read all the replies but here is some other experience.
If you are travelling with a spouse, split the credit cards you are carrying--don't carry the same ones.
800 numbers do not work --at least in Europe. You need the collect call number.
You can get an overnight replacement card (in Europe), or at least in two days. Demand it. It can happen.
Before leaving inform your bank of your dates so THEY don't cut you off for "unusual activity".
I carry credit cards in a secure zippered pants pocket.
If you are travelling with a spouse, split the credit cards you are carrying--don't carry the same ones.
800 numbers do not work --at least in Europe. You need the collect call number.
You can get an overnight replacement card (in Europe), or at least in two days. Demand it. It can happen.
Before leaving inform your bank of your dates so THEY don't cut you off for "unusual activity".
I carry credit cards in a secure zippered pants pocket.
Mar 23rd, 2009, 06:15 AM
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The exact same thing happened to me in Boston, several years ago. So it's not just Europe.
I'm a great fan of money belts. They release you from the necessity of being constantly vigilant and on the defensive, which I find tiring and depressing, especially when jetlagged and in a strange city where they don't speak your language.
I'm a great fan of money belts. They release you from the necessity of being constantly vigilant and on the defensive, which I find tiring and depressing, especially when jetlagged and in a strange city where they don't speak your language.
Mar 23rd, 2009, 07:04 AM
#18
Thanks for the reminder. I think the tips you already listed pretty much cover the things I do. Purse either stays on my person (if it's a tiny one), in my lap or right on the table. Cash & charge cards are split, not all with you, or in the same place.
Mar 23rd, 2009, 08:31 AM
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Since he didn't take your whole purse it would not have made any difference if you had looped it around anything. He reached in and efficiently took exactly what he wanted.
I keep my purse on my lap and take it with me to the ladies room or whenever I leave the table. I have learned the hard way that people get distracted and are not always thinking about my purse which is left in their care.
My friend found her purse unzipped and the thief rummaged through all her things in a large purse, took out only the money from her wallet and left the wallet, all in a few seconds, while it was on her shoulder! They are good at what they do!!
Sorry this happened to you.
I keep my purse on my lap and take it with me to the ladies room or whenever I leave the table. I have learned the hard way that people get distracted and are not always thinking about my purse which is left in their care.
My friend found her purse unzipped and the thief rummaged through all her things in a large purse, took out only the money from her wallet and left the wallet, all in a few seconds, while it was on her shoulder! They are good at what they do!!
Sorry this happened to you.
