We arrived last Thursday (14th) picked up our hire car and stopped off at Intermarche for essentials (Beer/Wine etc) we were only in there 10 mins came out drove to the villa only to realise a suitcase from the back seat was missing ! Went back to Intermarche & they called the police who spotted damage to the lock so think we were targetted by someone who knew exactly how to get in the car ! Laptop and wallet were in the suitcase so had to cancel cards etc (they tried to draw out 200 euros 20 mins after stealing case) - four visits to the police station in Lagoa and 28 euros to get crime report for Insurance only to ring insurers today to find a very convenient exclusion that we weren't covered for a suitcase on the back seat !!! between 9am & 9pm to say I'm furious is an understatement. Fortunately we had a lovely time and it hasn't put me off Carvoeiro but hopefully our experience will warn others to be more careful . Regards Carole

Sorry to hear that Carole, highly frustrating I'm sure. Its getting to stage that there is no point having the insurance because they seem to find a way out of paying out every time.

I believe there has been posts on the forum here previously about pick-pocketing at the same location so possibly the same people still operating.

Glad it didn't put you off Carvoeiro and you still had a good time.

Thanks algarve123 yes very frustrating re the insurance had we been less honest we probably should have said it was in the boot ! On a positive note managed to see Dave/Bobby twice , had some lovely meals out especially A Gale and O Indiano would highly recommend both and the weather was fantastic.

You won't thank me for saying it, but NEVER leave potentially valuable items in a car , certainly not on the backseat, and NEVER passport/cards etc. Supermarket carparks are prime spots for theft : we had a car broken into in Lidl's , but fortunately they didn't want our old boots and backpack!.

Glad you enjoyed yourself otherwise though.

Sorry to hear that. We had a similar experience at the Porches pottery a few years ago. Have to endorse Geoff's comment. We now drop our stuff off before we go to the supermarket (my wife prepares the G&T while I do the shopping - funny it is never the other way round) and we never leave anything in the car, boot cover off and glove compartment open to show nothing in the car.

Yes appreciate all the comments will definitely not be doing that again but we've been to Carvoeiro 10 times and never had a problem so we were probably a bit blasé