Car theives at Canieros beach

[Michael Crane]

Open or unlocked?

[nosivad]

sorry meant unlocked

[pato]

just an idea, I often leave my window down and the doors open when parking at the more remote beaches, also remove the rear parcel shelf; basing my theory that the "scroats" are not interested in stealing the car

Exactly! I've learned from experience that that's the best tactic to adopt, the hire companies wont be happy to hear that but they don't help the situation. I took out the extra insurance only to be informed that it didn't cover windows or tyres, tyres I could live with, but not windows. When visiting supermarkets, park near the entrance, don't go for the shade spots, try and leave the car where it can be seen even when you go to the beach.

[cereza]

If you've got a hatchback then it's best to take the parcel shelf out so that the scum can see that there is nothing inside .....

You'll probably not need to do this. Every hatchback I've ever rented did not have a parcel shelf fitted. They are (nearly) always removed by the rental companies.

I know that you have used ZIT Michael but I use them for 95% of my rentals and this year on every rental they have left the parcel shelf in the car and, including friends ,family and clients, that's a lot. Having said that their insurance does not cover window breakages if items are left in the car so putting the onus firmly on the hirer. Having said that how they can prove that you did in fact leave items in the car is another question.

I think that novisad's idea to leave windows open is well worth considering although obviously the rental companies won't agree

[Michael Crane]

From ECH: "The top-up insurance provides refundable cover and costs £1.50 per day, for example, if you had a puncture during your hire you would be required to pay the supplier directly for the cost of the repair, keep all receipts and invoices and then claim the amount back through AXA assistance on your return to the UK.

It is possible to purchase this at the time of placing a booking though our website. Please note any additional insurance are completely optional to purchase.

It covers:
Loss Damage Waiver - covers any losses to the vehicle rented which you as the hirer are responsible for not covered by the car rental company's excess waiver product up to £2,000 each loss but £3,000 in total. This will include but not limited to tyres, windscreen, under carriage, interior and the aerial of the rented vehicle.

Damage or loss to car rental vehicle keys - covers the cost of replacing lost, stolen or damaged car keys including replacement locks.

Misfuelling - cover up to a £500 in the event that the wrong fuel is put into the hired vehicle. This section covers the cost to flush the engine, towing charges and any additional travel expenses incurred but excludes losses arising from mechanical repairs following misfuelling.

Lock Out - Pays up to £40 to open the vehicle in the event that the hirer unintentionally locks themselves out of the hired vehicle.

I hope this information is of use to you, if you require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact us."

Windows (except windscreen) aren't mentioned but I think they're covered. I will check.

[TomUK]

If you've got a hatchback then it's best to take the parcel shelf out so that the scum can see that there is nothing inside ( but even then some will still smash the window just for the sake of it).

That's why I posed the question some time ago about my recent rental cars all having the rear shelf removed. I think the hire companies try to reduce the number of break-ins by revealing to thieves that the luggage space is empty (or should be!). As you quite rightly say, this may deter some, but the hard core thieves will break in to check under seats and floor mats, or out off sheer vandalism to teach us a lesson for denying them a chance to nick something.

[TomUK]

Is there much of a problem in the Algarve as regards cars being stolen? I don't seem to remember hearing anything about this.

[pato]

Is there much of a problem in the Algarve as regards cars being stolen? I don't seem to remember hearing anything about this.

I don't think many cars are stolen, I think theyre tagged, it's the petty thieving that's the problem, smashing windows and bursting locks etc. annoying stuff, plus! of course the problem of convincing the hire people that there was nothing on show can be very frustrating

[ron5000]

I think in Sandys case the scum bag probably saw her putting the bag in to the boot of the car when she arrived and just waited

[Sandy]

Bag was already in the boot when I parked, I just opened it to take my camera and hat out - only stopped for a brief visit to show friends the beach.
I think they were watching and guessed there may be other things inside.
No-one about either when I parked or returned.

[James Faro]

Sandy, the only positive thing that has came out your unfortunate experience is that you have made forum members more alert about possessions and learning more safety tips concerning parking our cars.

To say that you are furious and upset(very understandably) is probably putting it mildy. Any opportunist quick theft by a piece of low life vermin, can cause long term misery.

[tricky]

Sandy, that is awful, hope it doesn't spoil your trip. It was lovely to see you last week and hope you are enjoying the weather x

[Sandy]

There is an upbeat postscript to this story. A Portuguese lady called to say she had found all my cards (credit, Omani residence and driving licence and Omani mobile simcard) on the ground in a car park in Portimao. We arranged to meet up and I now have them all back. The credit cards had already been cancelled but the residence card and driving licence would have been a real hassle to replace. The Omani authorities take a dim vew of "lost" residence cards and driving licences as these are often sold on for cloning and used for illegal immigration from the sub-coninent. Replacing them would have involved endless form-filling, letters from sponsors/embassies/employers etc. and multiple trips to police & issuing offices. So net loss was some cash, a Louis Vuitton handbag (fake), a Gucci purse (fake) and a rather low-tech mobile phone. Lucky that the cards were dumped on the ground and not in a bin, and that a kind person found them. Lesson learnt without too much property loss, and a (partially) restored faith in human nature.

[Lesley Jean]

Brilliant result Sandy......

[Michael Crane]

Great news.

I still keep an eye open in Lagos for the holdall that was stolen (along with its contents) from the car there. I'd recognise easily.