Theft from Intermarche car park

[petejevons21]

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

[algarve123]

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.

[petejevons21]

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.

[Geoff]

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.

[lincdoc]

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.

[petejevons21]

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