mugging- loss of documents

[Bristle Si]

We have just returned from a week's stay at Monte Carvoeiro and our apartment was broken into on the second day between 2 and 4 pm, the shutters were locked but were prised open and the window broken. We think we disturbed them as they took a mobile phone and some cash from the first bedroom but didn't get to go in the second bedroom. The GNR advised us that this was the first break in this year in the Monte Carvoeiro area.

Worrying. We're in Monte CVO in 4 weeks time.

[Michael Crane]

...Worrying. We're in Monte CVO in 4 weeks time.

For every mugging/theft/robbery you read of there are dozens where nothing happens at all. Just be careful and mindful of what could happen and enjoy your holiday.

[ceh]

I was walking through Lagos about a month ago with some friends in the middle of the day when I felt someone tugging at my handbag. I shrugged the woman off and she gave up but that was certainly the closest I've come to having my bag snatched.

[James Faro]

Just a shame these thieves did not get the bashing of their lives; they'd soon think again about doing it.

Good advice about arriving late at night.

- J

[Michael Crane]

I was walking through Lagos about a month ago with some friends in the middle of the day when I felt someone tugging at my handbag. I shrugged the woman off and she gave up but that was certainly the closest I've come to having my bag snatched.

Sharen always has one with a long strap which she puts over her body so that it cannot be snatched. Mind you, anyone actually running off with it would soon be caught - it weighs a ton!

[jeremy]

MC - Very sensible.

I don't think anyone would snatch this :

[James Faro]

Jeremy, where is the image?

[jeremy]

James - I can see it - why can't you ? - MC may be able to help - J

[Michael Crane]

James - I can see it - why can't you ? - MC may be able to help - J

I can see it . . . now. I couldn't a minute ago.

[James Faro]

Can't see it at all!

[Michael Crane]

Can't see it at all!

Only the righteous can see it, James.

Here, take a peek at mine . . .

head-handbag.jpg (45.82 KiB) Viewed 6691 times

[James Faro]

Here, take a peek at mine . . .

Now that I saw! Good old Tudor justice on a robber!

[James Faro]

Some friends of ours were over in Carvoeiro recently 2 sisters and their elderly Mother- on arrival they went to the local supermarket ,it was quite late around 8pm to buy some provisions.
Whilst our friends were packing up the shopping their Mother was standing outside the main entrance when she was pushed to the ground from behind and her shoulder bag snatched from her- the culprit then jumped into a waiting car and sped off.
Unfortunately she lost all her documents ,passport, money and credit card etc.
This totally spoilt their stay as the Mother was afraid to go out .

The reason for my post is obviously to advise people to be wary- i appreciate these incidents can happen anywhere but also to ask if when carrying documents for car hire purposes would copies of licence and passport suffice if stopped by the police.

thanks for any input.

Milo

Miilo, it is nearly year since this incident happened and I was wondering how your friend now fare? Will they completely avoid CVO from now on?

The only good, if it can be called good,is the subsequent advice posted here in having passports and other documents scanned. If that is done then they can be left in an email folder. Should the originals ever stolen or lost they can be downloaded by email from the attachments and printed nearest internet shop. Copies would certainly assist the consulate.

[Milo]

James,
Thank for your interest.
My friends were out for their villa owners meeting in Feb- but did not go to supermarket at night.
Also they stayed in and self catered more than in previous years.
They were just a little more cautious.

thanks again

Milo