A number of people holidaying in the Costa Blanca resort in Spain have been targeted in recent days by a common crime that could leave you seriously out of pocket
Brits jetting off to Benidorm to escape the autumn chill have been urged to keep their wits about them due to a common crime that could put a damper on their holiday and leave them out of pocket.
Michelle Baker, who has resided in the popular tourist destination for over four decades and once ran a local newspaper for 20 years, now keeps Brits up-to-date via her Facebook group, Benidormforever.
Her most recent post was a “serious” warning, beginning with the words “Look out… there’s a thief about!”
She went on to detail concerns that have cropped up recently, stating: “The happy holiday vibe coupled with the warm weather – and a couple of cocktails – can often make us less vigilant and I don’t want to be a party pooper but several people have contacted me in the last two days to tell me they’ve been pickpocketed…
“All were in the Old Town (generally considered the safest area of Benidrom) and none felt a thing.
“Benidorm is a statistically safe place but crowds anywhere in the world attract pickpockets, and sadly Benidorm is no different.”
In terms of advice, she wrapped up by saying: “You know the drill; Keep your valuables out of sight; don’t carry your passport with you (unless you’re going to change money), don’t leave phones on the table, and beware of strangers getting too close, asking questions or bumping into you…
“Spread the word; stay vigilant and stay together for a happy holiday folks.”
Responding to the post, one individual commented: “Always zips and keep everything in the front pockets. Benidorm gets bad reviews for this but go to London Oxford Street exactly the same.”
Another shared: “We were targeted not far from the royal last week. Hubby’s wallet taken from buttoned short pocket. Didn’t feel a thing, first time in 35 years visiting.”
One user remarked: “A young man on (scooter emoji) tried to steal my phone from my bag late at night, but fortunately although I had consumed plenty of gin I still had my sensible head on and stopped him. That was old town.”
A fourth person noted: “Visited in April, friends zipped up bag was dipped and her purse was taken. The pickpockets walked right in front of us, broad daylight, been visiting years, it is getting worse, a zip will not stop these low lifes.”
Another added: “Thank you am coming in November we’ll take what you said on board.”
Earlier in the summer, Michelle disclosed that she herself nearly fell prey after an “agitated young individual” approached to say he had lost his friends and couldn’t remember where he was staying.
The con involved the person suggesting that they vaguely knew where it was and that you could assist by opening Google Maps for them before they grabbed the device and legged it.
Michelle continued: “I was lucky; I didn’t get my phone out I simply told the chap who stopped me where his hotel was… but my friends weren’t so lucky and are absolutely gutted to have fallen for this.”
The Foreign Office has issued a warning to Brits, stating: “Be alert to the risk of street crime. Thieves use distraction techniques and often work in teams. Take care of your passports, money and personal belongings, particularly when collecting or checking in luggage at the airport, and while arranging car hire.
“Do not carry all your valuables in one place. Keep a copy of the photo page of your passport somewhere safe. Make sure your accommodation has adequate security. Keep all doors and windows locked. If you’re concerned about the security of your accommodation, speak to your travel operator or the property owner.”