Backpack Theft...Prevention and Advice

[VNwalking]

The recent death of an experienced Belgian peregrino has been shocking on many levels.
Not the least of which because the entire unnecessary and tragic chain of events began when he had had his backpack stolen--and then (apparently?) was jailed as a vagrant on account of soliciting help.

I've never considered the possibility of someone stealing my backpack--but then I don't tend to leave it unattended anywhere except inside the albergues. But I also don't know anyone to whom this has happened, and haven't heard stories from fellow pilgrims. So I've generally assumed the kind of story portrayed in 'the movie' (for example) is gratuitous hyperbole for the sake of drama.

But Jeroen's story really pulled me up short. Obviously it does happen--my naive bubble has just burst.
I think that the Camino is astonishingly safe, so don't want to foster undue anxiety--and certainly have no intention myself of looking over my shoulder while I walk--but knowledge is power .
So for the sake of communal education, precautions are worth discussing. Is it OK, for example, to leave it outside at a bar, or at one's table while using the aseos? What about at an albergue door?

Experiences and advice? What do you do? And if this has happened to you or someone you know, what would you/they have done differently?
(And yes...reporting is an obvious necessity!...)

 

[Levi]

I have often left my backpack outside bars/cafes while I'm having a coffee and haven't had any problems. But all my 'valuables' (money, cards, passport etc.) stay with me at all times. Losing the backpack would not be good - but it wouldn't be a disaster.

 

[Deleted member 34316]

I have a scientific background so I go with the theory of probability and sleep safe and sound.
With 300,000+ pilgrims carrying their backpacks to Santiago per year, 3 stolen backpacks means NADA. It will not happen to you, or me. Gosh, if it happens, you even make headlines at "Voz de Galicia" or at least at this forum! Cool!
I would worry much more about being hit by a lightning while walking the Camino. Probably the chance is much bigger!

Buen (and Safe) Camino!

 

[LesBrass]

I do the same as @Levi - I have left my pack unattended if it has been the only option but I always take my 'valuables' bag with me... and I always keep my meds in there.

I must agree with @Viranani - the terrible catalogue of events for Jeroen is so so sad and certainly brings into focus how confusing and upsetting this situation could be for anyone.

 

[VNwalking]

@arthur1218
Yes...I'm hardly 'worried,' having the same scientific background as you.
But there's a wonderful Sufi saying: "Trust in God, but tie your camel."
So basically inquiring about appropriate knots here as I don't tend to think of that.

the terrible catalogue of events for Jeroen is so so sad and certainly brings into focus how confusing and upsetting this situation could be for anyone.

Indeed...imagining how I would feel in that situation? It would definitely be 'interesting.'

 

[cher99840]

I have often left my backpack outside bars/cafes while I'm having a coffee and haven't had any problems. But all my 'valuables' (money, cards, passport etc.) stay with me at all times. Losing the backpack would not be good - but it wouldn't be a disaster.

I think that is the key. Protecting our valuables by wearing them makes the loss of a backpack an inconvenience rather than a disaster. I leave mine outside of bars and beside the path when I wander off for a bush stop. I also agree with @arthur1218 that the probability is low.

 

[SYates]

Valuables are always, always at my body. As for preventing the theft of my backpack - those hip and chest belts are useful! Wrap and click them around something, the table, the chair, a huge umbrella, a pillar - If somebody wants to grab and run with my 'unattended' backpack - s/he has to drag a whole lot of other things with her/him also ;-) Buen Camino, SY

 

[domigee]

The only time I have worried about my backpack was in cities taking a long-distance bus, when you have to put it in the hold and it stays open.... I usually try and keep an eye on it until the bus leaves. Admittedly it is not on the Camino but getting to your starting place or leaving.... I'm usually weary of cities being a townie myself...
If someone takes my bag at other times, so be it... My passport and credit card stay with me at all times anyway.
I don't think it is worth losing sleep about

 

[Smallest_Sparrow]

Was he soliciting? I had the impression without his medication/after head trauma he was acting strange so picked up, and had been robbed of his backpack, not left it unattended (but I forget details easily)...

I once took my pack with me into a public restroom (?Bus station ?train station...don't recall) on the Norte. No hooks on the door. Imagine a female trying to drop pants (but not all the way to the floor), use toilet (but not sit), while struggling with pack. Hardest thing I did that walk, including the route Napoleon. Had I to do it over, would probably leave it outside.

Some places simply won't let you bring your pack inside. Period, no discussion, be it fire safety, bed bug fears, or concerns re terrorists or shoplifters. My money and cards were always on me (wallet in pocket), as was a small metal container with three days meds. In top flap of pack was lightwt nylon bag, passport, emergency scripts. in waist belt pocket was iphone and camera. If I had to leave pack somewhere, I took iphone and camera, put in bag with passport, and scripts, and carried with me. Everything else, though expensive and sometimes difficult to replace, can be replaced (OK, so too can phones and cameras but i had pictures on the iphone and camera). Three days of meds gives you time to take scripts to pharmacy. Passport and cards means you are able to replace things, and identify yourself to police. Never ever leave money or ID behind, even in albergues. I had things stolen in the municipal albergue in Astorga, even pilgrims have sticky fingers.

as for being robbed: if this were me, I would have quickly handed over pack (including camera and iPhone, though if they weren't too scary might wistfully consider asking to take out sim cards). Might have asked if I could keep my passport (it's in the top flap, in a bag with my rosary)... but wouldn't push it or ask if uncertain, it can be replaced at an embassy. If asked for a wallet, would have handed them the extra one I carried with 20 Euro and a card I'd put a hold on before travelling.

 

[VNwalking]

those hip and chest belts are useful! Wrap and click them around something, the table, the chair, a huge umbrella, a pillar - If somebody wants to grab and run with my 'unattended' backpack - s/he has to drag a whole lot of other things with her/him also ;-)

This is a very simple and good idea...and a funny image!
Exactly the kind of 'camel-tying knots' I'm thinking of.

And to affirm what others have said--I think we all know to keep valuables closer at hand and separate from the backpack? It's easy, and common sense. I keep passport and other irreplaceables in a waist belt under my clothing.

 

[SYates]

... If asked for a wallet, would have handed them the extra one I carried with 20 Euro and a card I'd put a hold on before travelling.

Bloody brilliant! I do the 'money I can afford to lose' trick, but adding a non-functioning card is just the icing ;-) Buen Camino, SY

 

[Smallest_Sparrow]

thanks. and I'm laughing picturing a thief whose legs fly out from under as he runs off with your pack tied to a cafe railing.

 

[VNwalking]

If asked for a wallet, would have handed them the extra one I carried with 20 Euro and a card I'd put a hold on before traveling.

@Smallest_Sparrow--great idea...I also never thought of it. One of those temporary gift cards (with no money left on it) would do the trick without any risk of accounts being compromised.

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

I brought a lightweight cable and small lock to lock our two packs together. I never used it. Our packs were so big compared to everyone elses only a lunatic or forklift driver would go for ours over someone elses.

 

[SYates]

I brought a lightweight cable and small lock to lock our two packs together. I never used it. Our packs were so big compared to everyone elses only a lunatic or forklift driver would go for ours over someone elses.

Then 'chaining' your two packs together via chest/hip belts would have been an idea! ROFL y Buen Camino, SY

 

[Smallest_Sparrow]

@Viranani--yes, I think a robber might question someone walking with the latest gear and gadgets, but no plastic these days.
@ Rick of Rick and Peg--actually I always figured since my pack was smaller than the others they'd figure there were more goodies in the others and leave mine

 

[MinaKamina]

The story sofar is that Jeroen was actively robbed by three men. It was not a matter of leaving his backpack unattended, at least that is how I understand it. They took his backpack, his ID, phone and his medication.

I cannot get over it how someone should want to steal medication.
You can tuck away a credit card somewhere, but it seems terribly difficult to hide a separate stack of pills or an inhaler. Especially if you have to keep these cool.
I'd have no idea how to do that.

 

[Smallest_Sparrow]

The story sofar is that Jeroen was actively robbed by three men. It was not a matter of leaving his backpack unattended, at least that is how I understand it. They took his backpack, his ID, phone and his medication.

I cannot get over it how someone should want to steal medication.
You can tuck away a credit card somewhere, but it seems terribly difficult to hide a separate stack of pills or an inhaler. Especially if you have to keep these cool.
I'd have no idea how to do that.

I assume they robbed him of his pack which contained the meds. I don't envision robbers taking the time to let us rummage through for meds, which is why I kept 3 days worth in my pocket.

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

I think that theft from someone going through the pack would be more likely to happen in albergues. Still, I thought that this would not be that likely. The really valuable stuff stayed with us anyway except our tablet when charging. It was a tablet, not a smartphone and, although I did let it out of my sight once in awhile, I did not expect it to be stolen then because a more easily hidden smartphone next to it would have been choosen instead.

I thought that theft would be more likely outside an albergue and a pack would be more likely to disappear than just some of the contents. A carabiner (or a cable and lock or even just some light nylon rope) attached to a chair would be enough to slow down a grab-and-run thief so he just end up doing the run part. A heavy pack would slow the run down too.

If you think that someone might go though the contents of the pack you could sew some loops onto the pack so that zippers could be attached to the loops with knots, locks or small screw-shut carabiners.

I notice that "think" and "thought" show up here quite a bit. I hope I was thinking okay.

 

[grayland]

I once saw some young locals? pull up at a bar in Galicia with the typical line of packs outside. The passenger stepped our grabbed two packs and drove off.
I did not get a good look at the car or individuals as I was not paying attention
Until I realized what had happened and they had turned a corner.
When I got to the bar I did go inside and announced that they may want to check the packs. The local police took a quick verbal report..but I just didn't have any hard ID to help.

I never leave my pack outside and only out of sight in the albergues....not by the door in the albergues.
Up to you you how much trust you have in your luck.

 

[VNwalking]

A heavy pack would slow the run down too.

Ha ha...yeah, but then you get to carry it.

My backpack is 10 years old, it has been with me on gazillions of Caminos in Spain and on some interesting high altitude treks in Nepal, but it needs to be replaced. Can someone please steal it from me? Otherwise I will use it for another 10 years. I'll be on the Primitivo next week, if someone would be willing to help me. I will appreciate.

Sorry Arthur, that's exactly the kind of pack that no-one would want. I'm guessing thieves go for the newer flash ones.

But nothing is impossible on the Camino de Santiago.

As grayland's story affirms...so all this is good advice:

I never leave my pack outside and only out of sight in the albergues....not by the door in the albergues.
Up to you you how much trust you have in your luck.

Tie your camel well.

And no doubt those who mentioned it are right: Jeroen's experience of being robbed by a trio of thugs is another story, and one that's unimaginable. That kind of thing is probably impossible to prevent or to prepare for.

 

[KinkyOne]

I have often left my backpack outside bars/cafes while I'm having a coffee and haven't had any problems. But all my 'valuables' (money, cards, passport etc.) stay with me at all times. Losing the backpack would not be good - but it wouldn't be a disaster.

Can only second this. And never had any worries about my backpack. You want to carry it?

And I also have a "fake" wallet with max.30€ and some ran out cards. Not only bank cards but also ran out library cards that once belong to my friends children, bus cards etc. I think it looks really like "real" wallet.

 

[VNwalking]

And I also have a "fake" wallet with max.30€ and some ran out cards. Not only bank cards but also ran out library cards that once belong to my friends children, bus cards etc.

The fake wallet idea is super--too bad I just threw out a whole bunch of old stuff like that (I have to drag all my stuff everywhere I go, so really need to keep the excess down to a minimum).

 

[Smallest_Sparrow]

The fake wallet idea is super--too bad I just threw out a whole bunch of old stuff like that (I have to drag all my stuff everywhere I go, so really need to keep the excess down to a minimum).

Now we all must carry 3 wallets (2 fake)---the robbers will get wise and after we hand them one it wil be "come on, come on, we know you've got a second wallet." I can envision the thread: "got my three wallets down to 1.1 pounds by shaving the edges of cards...opinions?"

 

[james walter purdum iv]

i had my backpack rifled through by fed ex losing my jacket and few other things before it arrived a day late to beilari. i got it at 3;00pm and scampered up to orrisson. when i went for my shower towel i found out things were missing...well, besides a couple of chilly mornings the thief made my pack lighter and i was grateful...camino logic!! other than that my friends poles were taken by mistake due the other smaller red poles that were left for him.....

 

[KinkyOne]

i had my backpack rifled through by fed ex losing my jacket and few other things before it arrived a day late to beilari. i got it at 3;00pm and scampered up to orrisson. when i went for my shower towel i found out things were missing...well, besides a couple of chilly mornings the thief made my pack lighter and i was grateful...camino logic!! other than that my friends poles were taken by mistake due the other smaller red poles that were left for him.....

Well, it happens. Was the same for me in 2015 at Barcelona Airport when my swiss army knife (app.25€) was missing. This year I stashed it (the new one) really deeeeeeeeeep in my backpack and it arrived safely
When I think I know almost everything there's new things to learn

 

[MinaKamina]

I assume they robbed him of his pack which contained the meds. I don't envision robbers taking the time to let us rummage through for meds, which is why I kept 3 days worth in my pocket.

The backpack of Jeroen was one of the things that he was robbed of.
Among other things, he also carried a fanny pack ~ that is where I might keep my daily meds, and the rest I would hide deep in the backpack, in order to protect them from the heat - and by the look of it he was wearing trousers with many side pockets.
He would probably be OK and alive if only the backpack had been stolen.

 

[Smallest_Sparrow]

The backpack of Jeroen was one of the things that he was robbed of.
Among other things, he also carried a fanny pack ~ that is where I might keep my daily meds, and the rest I would hide deep in the backpack, in order to protect them from the heat - and by the look of it he was wearing trousers with many side pockets.
He would probably be OK and alive if only the backpack had been stolen.

Edit: first NOT criticizing Jeroen...point of thread is future prevention
That's why I use the little metal container for a few doses. I was lucky, it snowed a lot on me so pills over heating wasn't an issue. Alternatively, extra scripts in a ziplock in your pocket. Having something in a fanny pack is the same as a backpack to robbers--perhaps more enticing since they'll assume it's extra valuable. The goal: you don't abruptly stop your medication (although as long as it's not a controlled med, a trip to the ER could probably get you a day or two of meds while waiting for your doctor to fax a new prescription). Perhaps without his meds he could not think clearly enough to secure replacements.
Edit: I carried a few days of meds to avoid the hassle of an ER visit, and even then--losing my meds would be neither life threatening, nor cause clouded thinking. If missing meds meant I'd be unable to think straight I'd have my scripts in a ziplock pinned in my underwear. Robbers may have you turn out pockets if they have the time and think you might be holding out.

 

[VNwalking]

I can envision the thread: "got my three wallets down to 1.1 pounds by shaving the edges of cards...opinions?"

Having something in a fanny pack is the same as a backpack to robbers--perhaps more enticing since they'll assume it's extra valuable.

Good point. And the meds issue is a challenging one. @Smallest_Sparrow, you seem to have a good system--and if this sad story teaches us anything, it's that someone with essential meds (insulin, being only one example) must keep a copy of their prescription on their body separate from everything valuable, in case the worst happens.

 

[VNwalking]

Was the same for me in 2015 at Barcelona Airport when my swiss army knife (app.25€) was missing.

For airports, a trick a Burmese person in Australia taught me is to use cable ties on all zippers (even if you have locks). No-one can quickly gain access to your luggage, so it prevents impulsive theft.

 

[C clearly]

For airports, a trick a Burmese person in Australia taught me is to use cable ties on all zippers (even if you have locks). No-one can quickly gain access to your luggage, so it prevents impulsive theft.

One of the many many uses for diaper pins!

 

[VNwalking]

One of the many many uses for diaper pins!

If you can find them. I have tried with no success--too many people use disposables. Your secret, C?

 

[C clearly]

If you can find them. I have tried with no success--too many people use disposables. Your secret, C?

They are not available in every drugstore, but some do carry them. I tend to stock up on them when I see them. (I haven't frequented baby stores much for a few years, but will start again soon, since I'm expecting a grandchild.) Maybe @ivar should stock them!

 

[VNwalking]

Maybe @ivar should stock them!

Ha, ha...@ivar??
(By the way, congratulations, @C clearly!)

 

[Former member 22438]

The only time I have worried about my backpack was in cities taking a long-distance bus, when you have to put it in the hold and it stays open.... I usually try and keep an eye on it until the bus leaves. Admittedly it is not on the Camino but getting to your starting place or leaving.... I'm usually weary of cities being a townie myself...
If someone takes my bag at other times, so be it... My passport and credit card stay with me at all times anyway.
I don't think it is worth losing sleep about

And that situation happens every day close by the camino. At the Santiago busstation it can happen to everybody. You sit in the bus waiting to leave and the hold is open to anybody to grab your belongings.
People who travel to Porto by bus from Santiago beware in the Vigo bus station it happens too aswell at the Porto airport and casa de Música stop in Porto.
Also taking a local bus f.ex to Ferrol to start the camino Inglès. Everybody is obliged to leave luggage in the hold. Bags with groceries from the market, prams and your pack.
At every stop the driver opens the hold and you sit there dreaming of your camino to come and have no conttol of what is going on underneath your seat ...
If you travel with somebody else let one of you be as close as possible to the luggage compartment as long it is open to keep an eye on it. as we allways do .
Bom caminho

 

[Deleted member 43985]

If a person is worried about their pack growing legs and walking away there is a tech solution that weighs almost nothing and cost is minimal - a GPS tracker chip sewn into your pack somewhere discrete. They sell them for $29 and as long as you didn't leave your smart phone in the pack (creating a classic face palm moment ) then you can track your bag very easily. They are called TrackR and look pretty slick. Here is a LINK (no paid sponsorship here, just a fan )

 

[NualaOC]

Interesting thread @Viranani, thanks for starting the discussion. I have to admit that I regularly leave my backpack unattended, but I usually keep my money, passport, phone etc. on my person. The Belgian pilgrim's experience is horrifying - I hope that his embassy is making lots of noise about it.

If you can find them. I have tried with no success--too many people use disposables. Your secret, C?

I always take a supply of these pins. I agree that they are harder to find in pharmacies these days - I buy mine on Amazon or in craft supply stores. They are invaluable - so many uses!

 

[Former member 22438]

Then 'chaining' your two packs together via chest/hip belts would have been an idea! ROFL y Buen Camino, SY

As we allways do in such situations. Two Karabiner clips-bought in an outdoorshop-weigh and cost almost nothing and are very handy.

 

[Eddie Ferguson]

If a person is worried about their pack growing legs and walking away there is a tech solution that weighs almost nothing and cost is minimal - a GPS tracker chip sewn into your pack somewhere discrete. They sell them for $29 and as long as you didn't leave your smart phone in the pack (creating a classic face palm moment ) then you can track your bag very easily. They are called TrackR and look pretty slick. Here is a LINK (no paid sponsorship here, just a fan )

These chips aren't GPS unfortunately, they only work via Bluetooth. This means that you can only locate things if you are within 30 meters.
I still might get one for finding my keys at home.

 

[VNwalking]

Thank you for your ideas, everyone--these are things I never thought much about and it seems there are simple ways to deter opportunistic pack theft. Robbery, on the other hand...well, that is harder. Hopefully it is a very rare event.
And I've learned something: I'd never have thought to be at all alert or concerned at bus stations about packs in the hold before the bus leaves. Which then begs the question: what about on trains enroute?

That GPS chip is an interesting idea, useful in either case to recover packs that have been lifted, and perhaps helping nab the people who have lifted them. And I see it can be used to locate a lost phone and bags that the airlines have managed to lose, even more useful!--what is the battery life, @jozero?

My one remaining (rather dim) question has little to do with the topic at hand:
@SYates, what in the world does ROFL mean?

Then 'chaining' your two packs together via chest/hip belts would have been an idea! ROFL y Buen Camino

 

[domigee]

Rolling On Floor Laughing

 

[VNwalking]

Ah, that explains the incomprehension, @domigee~I never do that.
Thanks!

 

[marigold]

The recent death of an experienced Belgian peregrino has been shocking on many levels.
Not the least of which because the entire unnecessary and tragic chain of events began when he had had his backpack stolen--and then (apparently?) was jailed as a vagrant on account of soliciting help.

I met a young girl while walking to Muxia who had had her backpack stolen. She left it outside the cathedral in Santiago. She had everything in it - money too! But peregrinos had given her a new backpack, and a small tent and bought her meals. She was very happy! Isn't the Camino amazing!

I've never considered the possibility of someone stealing my backpack--but then I don't tend to leave it unattended anywhere except inside the albergues. But I also don't know anyone to whom this has happened, and haven't heard stories from fellow pilgrims. So I've generally assumed the kind of story portrayed in 'the movie' (for example) is gratuitous hyperbole for the sake of drama.

But Jeroen's story really pulled me up short. Obviously it does happen--my naive bubble has just burst.
I think that the Camino is astonishingly safe, so don't want to foster undue anxiety--and certainly have no intention myself of looking over my shoulder while I walk--but knowledge is power .
So for the sake of communal education, precautions are worth discussing. Is it OK, for example, to leave it outside at a bar, or at one's table while using the aseos? What about at an albergue door?

Experiences and advice? What do you do? And if this has happened to you or someone you know, what would you/they have done differently?
(And yes...reporting is an obvious necessity!...)

 

[Deleted member 43985]

These chips aren't GPS unfortunately, they only work via Bluetooth. This means that you can only locate things if you are within 30 meters.
I still might get one for finding my keys at home.

They are actually a combination of bluetooth and group GPS so when another user of this tech is close to a tracker tagged as 'lost' then it used that persons current location to anonymously send your phone a message with the most recent location of your property. I agree it is not as convenient as pure GPS but at that price and size may still be worth investigating.

 

[BonitaHolland]

I have a scientific background so I go with the theory of probability and sleep safe and sound.
With 300,000+ pilgrims carrying their backpacks to Santiago per year, 3 stolen backpacks means NADA. It will not happen to you, or me. Gosh, if it happens, you even make headlines at "Voz de Galicia" or at least at this forum! Cool!
I would worry much more about being hit by a lightning while walking the Camino. Probably the chance is much bigger!

Buen (and Safe) Camino!

On the subject of being hit by lightning what's the 'physics' re poles grounded or no?

 

[SYates]

On the subject of being hit by lightning what's the 'physics' re poles grounded or no?

Just don't raise them ;-) Buen Camino, SY

 

[grayland]

And that situation happens every day close by the camino. At the Santiago busstation it can happen to everybody. You sit in the bus waiting to leave and the hold is open to anybody to grab your belongings.
People who travel to Porto by bus from Santiago beware in the Vigo bus station it happens too aswell at the Porto airport and casa de Música stop in Porto.
Also taking a local bus f.ex to Ferrol to start the camino Inglès. Everybody is obliged to leave luggage in the hold. Bags with groceries from the market, prams and your pack.
At every stop the driver opens the hold and you sit there dreaming of your camino to come and have no conttol of what is going on underneath your seat ...
If you travel with somebody else let one of you be as close as possible to the luggage compartment as long it is open to keep an eye on it. as we allways do .
Bom caminho

We usually connect the hip belts together on our packs when traveling on a bus to our starting point. We also have a very large (2 inch) plastic carabiner that weighs less than an ounce. I hook packs together with this in bus holds or any other sketchy places.
Someone trying to pick up a pack out of the bus hold and casually walking away with another pack dragging will attract a bit of attention.

Losing your pack to a thief in a bar or bus would be problem...even if you did not have your valuables in it. You still have to replace the pack and whatever you did have in it. You must have needed it up to that point or you certainly wouldn't be lugging it every day.

 

[Felipe]

I thought the "stolen backpack" scene in "The Way" was quite incongruous. A backpack is a bulky, quite visible thing -not the obvious target for a robber. And...how fast can you run with it?
When I left my backpack unattended in a public place (for example in a restaurant), or let it to be transported in a bus or airplane, I fast and tangle the belts, so it can't easily be carried in a normal way.
The contents are a different thing, obviously. My medicines are always deep in my backpack, and in a transparent bag (so it can't be mistaken as a camera or money bag). Passport, camera and money are always with me.

 

[aliwalks]

The recent death of an experienced Belgian peregrino has been shocking on many levels.
Not the least of which because the entire unnecessary and tragic chain of events began when he had had his backpack stolen--and then (apparently?) was jailed as a vagrant on account of soliciting help.

I've never considered the possibility of someone stealing my backpack--but then I don't tend to leave it unattended anywhere except inside the albergues. But I also don't know anyone to whom this has happened, and haven't heard stories from fellow pilgrims. So I've generally assumed the kind of story portrayed in 'the movie' (for example) is gratuitous hyperbole for the sake of drama.

But Jeroen's story really pulled me up short. Obviously it does happen--my naive bubble has just burst.
I think that the Camino is astonishingly safe, so don't want to foster undue anxiety--and certainly have no intention myself of looking over my shoulder while I walk--but knowledge is power .
So for the sake of communal education, precautions are worth discussing. Is it OK, for example, to leave it outside at a bar, or at one's table while using the aseos? What about at an albergue door?

Experiences and advice? What do you do? And if this has happened to you or someone you know, what would you/they have done differently?
(And yes...reporting is an obvious necessity!...)

I always left outside with no fears, Aliwalks

 

[linkster]

I like @SYates idea of securing the pack with the hip or chest belts. Easy low tech solution. I use a 10' leash when canoeing to secure our packs to the canoe thwart in case of a capsize. The leash has a loop on one end that is larks headed to the pack. The other end has a carabiner. The leash is looped around the thwart and secured with the carabiner, no knot necessary. A short leash would be more appropriate for use on the Camino. Any of these can be cut, but would act as a deterrent to a quick grab and go.

I am going to add my packing list to my other copies of electronic documents stored on the cloud. Shopping list just in case.

I have considered having my initials or email embroidered on my pack. It would not prevent theft, but I thought it might reduce the odds of it being picked up by accident (luggage transport etc,).

 

[jennysa]

The only time I have worried about my backpack was in cities taking a long-distance bus, when you have to put it in the hold and it stays open.... I usually try and keep an eye on it until the bus leaves. Admittedly it is not on the Camino but getting to your starting place or leaving.... I'm usually weary of cities being a townie myself...
If someone takes my bag at other times, so be it... My passport and credit card stay with me at all times anyway.
I don't think it is worth losing sleep about

I thought that I was the only one who was concerned for my backpack in the bus hold. I always hang around until the bus takes off and then peer out the window at each stop to make sure no one takes it.

 

[jirit]

If you are concerned about your pack being stolen, consider getting an alarm for it

https://www.corporatetravelsafety.com/catalog/personal-alarm-and-motion-detection-bag-alarm.html

 

[Smallest_Sparrow]

I like @SYates idea of securing the pack with the hip or chest belts. Easy low tech solution. I use a 10' leash when canoeing to secure our packs to the canoe thwart in case of a capsize. The leash has a loop on one end that is larks headed to the pack. The other end has a carabiner. The leash is looped around the thwart and secured with the carabiner, no knot necessary. A short leash would be more appropriate for use on the Camino. Any of these can be cut, but would act as a deterrent to a quick grab and go.

I am going to add my packing list to my other copies of electronic documents stored on the cloud. Shopping list just in case.

I have considered having my initials or email embroidered on my pack. It would not prevent theft, but I thought it might reduce the odds of it being picked up by accident (luggage transport etc,).

Maybe "NOT YOURS" in big, block letters...

At large Aikido seminars (training events that usually draw crowds of out of state participants) there is usually a place along a wall where people leave their weapons bags. These are usually made of leather or luggage-type woven material, about 4-5' long, and contain your bokken, shuto, tanto, jo, and shinai--maybe made of expensive wood, maybe not, but usually important to you and definitely at a seminar. Several years ago a friend sewed her own, out of dusty pink suede and rose patterned brocade. Very pretty, even to someone like me who avoids all things pink. As we were putting our bags against a wall I commented again how pretty hers was, and how easy to find in a sea of black and charcoal grey bags. Not only that, she replied, but it was not so likely any of the men would walk off with it.

 

[Former member 22438]

If a person is worried about their pack growing legs and walking away there is a tech solution that weighs almost nothing and cost is minimal - a GPS tracker chip sewn into your pack somewhere discrete. They sell them for $29 and as long as you didn't leave your smart phone in the pack (creating a classic face palm moment ) then you can track your bag very easily. They are called TrackR and look pretty slick. Here is a LINK (no paid sponsorship here, just a fan )

the occasion makes that the thieves pick out your pack. They only are interested in valuables to sell for a shot of boose or drugs so after a quick research they take out everything except for your underpants and throw away your pack..is the question what is valuable in your pack as you wear all your valuables on your body ?
Anyway so it happens here in Holland. They break your carwindow, take out your built in navigation system or airbags, ruin your complete dash and sell the pinched stuff for 5€

 

[VNwalking]

From another thread:

my friend's backpack was stolen from the Convent in Leon...[the] pack had been sitting in the unattended courtyard (pack delivery service, which she used, had put it there.

When I stayed at the convent in Leon Nov 2012 someone had left their pack in the courtyard and it was stolen from exactly the same place.

Another simple thing to do: don't leave your pack here!
I wonder how many people have lost packs this way; some people obviously know it's easy pickings.

 

[Smallest_Sparrow]

One of the many many uses for diaper pins!

for pinning the zipper shut, or poking the thief?

 

[C clearly]

for pinning the zipper shut, or poking the thief?

I keep enough handy for all purposes.

 

[Levi]

I thought that I was the only one who was concerned for my backpack in the bus hold. I always hang around until the bus takes off and then peer out the window at each stop to make sure no one takes it.

As I left the airport bus (on my way to Australia) I grabbed my green rucksack and set off. Opening it up for something or other I saw a Dan Brown book and thought ' I never read Dan Brown'. Total panic. Anyway, it was all sorted out and no one missed their flight... so so easy to do...mea culpa...

easy to do... mea culpa

 

[whariwharangi]

As I left the airport bus (on my way to Australia) I grabbed my green rucksack and set off. Opening it up for something or other I saw a Dan Brown book and thought ' I never read Dan Brown'. Total panic. Anyway, it was all sorted out and no one missed their flight... so so easy to do...mea culpa...

easy to do... mea culpa

I am of the habit of checking the tags ... even if I know its mine.

 

[Nancy Heinzen]

Thank you for your very clever strategy in the event of being robbed! As a planner by nature having a plan for this potential event is great. Also I was wondering what to do in case of the restroom, ugh! Bus or train posses many opportunities to be aware weary travelers! Thanks again!

 

[C clearly]

I once took my pack with me into a public restroom (?Bus station ?train station...don't recall) on the Norte. No hooks on the door. Imagine a female trying to drop pants (but not all the way to the floor), use toilet (but not sit), while struggling with pack. Hardest thing I did that walk, including the route Napoleon. Had I to do it over, would probably leave it outside.

I would only admit this here on this forum , but I have mastered the ability to unclip just the hip strap on my backpack, drop my pants to the required level, do my business, and pull things back together - all with the pack on my back. I cannot do it while holding my poles, though.

 

[Stivandrer]

My best traveling memory is once stopping over at night in Heathrow on my way back from East Africa on the Jo´burg Express, exactly because it wasn´t; 3 connecting tickets over four days to get home to New Year in Denmark. Found at last a spot with 12 robust Russian housewives on a spending spree in London. Asked if they could look out for me and my stuff, caus I wanted a sleep badly. Never heard so rocous rolling laughter as they explained; " No worries Sunshine, nobody will get past us !! We´ll just sit on them !!"
So if possible, team up. I have always felt confident, because travelers around you generally are in the same jeopardy as yourself.
If however being totally on your own, have your wits about you.....
I see a possiblibility in getting robbed in transit, but feel absolutely safe on the trail.
That is however a total male perspective... the female side might present other threats and might appear mre uncertain....

 

[Land-Wanderer]

I like @SYates idea of securing the pack with the hip or chest belts. Easy low tech solution. I use a 10' leash when canoeing to secure our packs to the canoe thwart in case of a capsize. The leash has a loop on one end that is larks headed to the pack. The other end has a carabiner. The leash is looped around the thwart and secured with the carabiner, no knot necessary. A short leash would be more appropriate for use on the Camino. Any of these can be cut, but would act as a deterrent to a quick grab and go.

I am going to add my packing list to my other copies of electronic documents stored on the cloud. Shopping list just in case.

I have considered having my initials or email embroidered on my pack. It would not prevent theft, but I thought it might reduce the odds of it being picked up by accident (luggage transport etc,).

I plan to sew my state and USA flag to my pack along with a patch of the camino shell. My pack is an Osprey, very common, but the flag patches will give it an unique identification.

 

[CaminoDebrita]

This conversation in turn made me feel sad, amused, and impressed.

A few comments:

1. Avoid pack transfers if at all possible. I had a friend get her pack stolen from the open courtyard in the Leon Convent area--that's where the transfer company was told to put it. Out in the open, with all sorts of people in and out, of course it got stolen. It's happened before there too.

2. Others mentioned keeping money "on the body"--and on my first and second trips to Spain to walk the Camino, I always wore a money belt tucked deep inside the waist of my quick-dry trousers. Yes, it got disgusting and sweaty. No, it did not get stolen.

3. Daily money can go in the trouser pockets or whatever.

4. Two wallets? a good idea, but I would think that the thieves are going to be asking you to show your passport---where the passport is will be telling. They aren't stupid.

5. Backpack outside at a table in a small town--sometimes. In Leon or Burgos? never.

All right--I'm feeling tired....working hospice for my good old friend you've all heard about on here, so off I go to do some resting up for tomorrow!

Love to all---Deb

 

[CaminoDebrita]

I plan to sew my state and USA flag to my pack along with a patch of the camino shell. My pack is an Osprey, very common, but the flag patches will give it an unique identification.

I never, ever advertise my nationality in this day and age, although I am fine with it coming up in conversation.

 

[VNwalking]

That is however a total male perspective... the female side might present other threats and might appear mre uncertain....

I would have thought that once, too. We don't know exactly what yet, but something definitely sinister befell Jeroen--a young robust man. Sadly, the days of thinking "It cannot happen" are over.

Two wallets? a good idea, but I would think that the thieves are going to be asking you to show your passport---where the passport is will be telling. They aren't stupid.

Good point. It shows how naive I am--I hadn't thought of that.
(All good wishes to you, Deb--time with passing friends is very precious...)

 

[CaminoDebrita]

I would only admit this here on this forum , but I have mastered the ability to unclip just the hip strap on my backpack, drop my pants to the required level, do my business, and pull things back together - all with the pack on my back. I cannot do it while holding my poles, though.

I use my poles to get back up, ha ha!

 

[SYates]

...

4. Two wallets? a good idea, but I would think that the thieves are going to be asking you to show your passport---where the passport is will be telling. They aren't stupid. ...

I seriously doubt that and never heard of a robber asking for the passport of the victim unless that is the one item they really want to steal. They might not be stupid, but they will be nervous and after quick cash.
Buen Camino, SY

 

[Wokabaut_Meri]

For airports, a trick a Burmese person in Australia taught me is to use cable ties on all zippers (even if you have locks). No-one can quickly gain access to your luggage, so it prevents impulsive theft.

While transiting I always use TamperTell security seals for checked baggage together with a lock. I keep the second tag in my jeans pocket and check the numbers on arrival as proof of tampering if required.

It served us well when our luggage was 'held' during transit in Jo'burg airport and arrived 2 days later in Zambia with different numbered tags. I called over airport security to witness it being opened. No chemical additions, thankfully, but selective contents missing.

Maybe "NOT YOURS" in big, block letters...

or some pointed message luggage tags though might have the opposite effect

As we allways do in such situations. Two Karabiner clips-bought in an outdoorshop-weigh and cost almost nothing and are very handy.

When training in our local parks or going shopping I use a screw-gate carabiner on my backpack zips so that the pack can't be opened easily when I'm carrying it. The blue carabiner has a combination lock on it and this is the one I use travelling to tie our backpacks together in luggage holds or when left temporarily. We have a loop of steel cable in our packs to which this is fastened. They have prevented the theft of our packs twice - NOT experienced on our Camino though.

 

[Wokabaut_Meri]

On the subject of being hit by lightning what's the 'physics' re poles grounded or no?

Going slightly sideways here - with the moderators indulgence - FYI should you be caught in a storm this is very useful information from UK Mountain Safety: Walking Poles and Lightning. I was struck by lightning as a child so was fortunate - both to just be knocked off my feet with a fried schoolbag and then to then be instructed at Brownies about what I should have done

If we get into a discussion, it will need to be moved to a separate subject

 

[VNwalking]

You were?!? Wow. I am very glad for us all that you lived to tell the tale, @Wokabaut_Meri....
Thank you--maybe it's a tangent but that's a useful thing to read. I'd have thought a cave would be a good place to take shelter...well, I'd have been fried too. You (hopefully) learn something every day.

And let's hope @arthur1218 is right--and if so, this is actually more useful information than anything to prevent theft!

It served us well when our luggage was 'held' during transit in Jo'burg airport and arrived 2 days later in Zambia with different numbered tags. I called over airport security to witness it being opened. No chemical additions, thankfully, but selective contents missing.

My friends in Sydney were alarmed that I was only using locks, telling me that people not infrequently slip contraband into luggage. I couldn't believe it, but they had stories. Hence the cable ties--but this is even better.

 

[Kanga]

@Wokabaut_Meri that is a tale on which to dine out - you were extraordinarily lucky. I have enjoyed the excitement of a massive thunder-and-lightening storm on the meseta, but not that close thank goodness. Not many places to take shelter. Using metal trekking sticks adds to the fun. I'd never thought about the metal underwire in my bra. Conjures up images of female pilgrims ripping off their underclothes and casting them to the winds.

 

[Smallest_Sparrow]

I never, ever advertise my nationality in this day and age, although I am fine with it coming up in conversation.

Good point. Most of this forumare probably too young to remember TWA flight 847.

Edit: While I'm proud to be American, Camino Debrita is right in saying when and how we give that info up is important. I was in the military when that flight was hijacked, and we spent a lot of time discussing how best to quickly hide our ID cards after that.

 

[Wokabaut_Meri]

I am very glad for us all that you lived to tell the tale

Me too!

I'd have thought a cave would be a good place to take shelter...well, I'd have been fried too.

Me too. We'd both be crisped

I'd never thought about the metal underwire in my bra. Conjures up images of female pilgrims ripping off their underclothes and casting them to the winds.

...then balancing precariously on their non-Aarn backpacks (alas metal rods in balance pockets) while keeping their arms and feet off the ground...

 

[Bumpa]

I brought a lightweight cable and small lock to lock our two packs together. I never used it. Our packs were so big compared to everyone elses only a lunatic or forklift driver would go for ours over someone elses.

A pack so big, it makes the thief choose another...is akin to the story of two hikers and one says: "I don't have to out run the bear....I just have to out run you"

 

[VNwalking]

@Wokabaut_Meri:
Hahahahaha...

 

[C clearly]

Sadly, the days of thinking "It cannot happen" are over.

Those days haven't existed in my lifetime!

 

[VNwalking]

Ha ha, @C clearly...you're obviously living up to your user name.

 

[Esther66]

I would have thought that once, too. We don't know exactly what yet, but something definitely sinister befell Jeroen--a young robust man. Sadly, the days of thinking "It cannot happen" are over.

Good point. It shows how naive I am--I hadn't thought of that.
(All good wishes to you, Deb--time with passing friends is very precious...)

I was wondering about that. Good idea to have a spare, wallet with 5 Euro in it, an old credit card & an old passport, if possible. Seems like extra weight but sure would be cool to have it in case one was held up for it. And if it was in your purse ... all the more likely the thieves would believe it and not check dates.

Once could alway have a whistle around their neck like they do when hiking in the woods or have a deafening siren that was advertised above, when you pull the pin out.

Tying 2 packs together with a leash is also a deterrent. The gps/blue tooth tracker is also good if one has to leave a pack outside for some reason. Sure, things are replaceable but we need that stuff or we wouldn't be carrying it all day for over a 1000 km.

A money belt is a must, where the real passport, credit card, med ins card, license, etc is carried.
A fanny belt for one's phone, camera, meds, pocket money, sounds good too. Just don't lose that!!!
I lost it in my hometown 3 months ago and it was never found. .. It is a mystery. Was it stolen? I don't know how it dropped off of me as it had very tight connectors. I'm leary of them now!!!

 

[jennyb]

I have left my backpack outside bars/cafes along with other backpacks, but have ALWAYS carried my valuables with me even to the showers.
I recently had the misfortune of "losing" a bag though.......
I had just returned to Lisbon from SDC after completing the Camino Portuguese, I was booked into 'This Is Lisbon' Hostel but had forgotten the address and needed that for the taxi from the station. I had my backpack on my back and was carrying a shopping bag when I went into an INFO centre in the Lisbon to get the address. I only realised when I was about a block away, that I had left the bag on the floor! I rushed back, saw it was gone and asked the people behind the counter if it was handed in! No such luck! I remember there were 2 other people in the place at the time. I was absolutely devastated as it contained gifts for my grandchild AND my Camino certificate! Plus a jacket and a cap that had more sentimental value to anything else. A truly horrible feeling that took a long time to go away, I could only make myself feel better by the fact that I at least still had my credit cards, camera, passport and phone! And my ticket home!
Anyway......does anyone know how I go about getting a copy of my compostela?

 

[SYates]

... Anyway......does anyone know how I go about getting a copy of my compostela?

Send a PM to @JohnnieWalker and/or @t2andreo they might know how to do this. Buen Camino, SY

 

[jennyb]

Send a PM to @JohnnieWalker and/or @t2andreo they might know how to do this. Buen Camino, SY

Thanks SYates, much appreciated!

 

[CaminoDebrita]

From another thread:


Another simple thing to do: don't leave your pack here!
I wonder how many people have lost packs this way; some people obviously know it's easy pickings.

Remember: the pack delivery services leave them in the open courtyard, and that was what happened to my friend. As a novice pilgrim, she was unaware of the "humbleness" of that particular locale, and also of its proximity to a lot of folks "of the open road" (street people).

 

[Anniesantiago]

If a person is worried about their pack growing legs and walking away there is a tech solution that weighs almost nothing and cost is minimal - a GPS tracker chip sewn into your pack somewhere discrete. They sell them for $29 and as long as you didn't leave your smart phone in the pack (creating a classic face palm moment ) then you can track your bag very easily. They are called TrackR and look pretty slick. Here is a LINK (no paid sponsorship here, just a fan )

Yes, there are also TILES which do the same thing. Around $25. One of my pilgrims carried a TILE this year and I generally could locate her within an hour. The way it works is that the signal bounces off OTHER tiles and makes its way to you.

 

[Smallest_Sparrow]

I use Tiles for my keys and wallet...I envision a day (in the not too distant future) when most things I own have Tiles attached

 

[Icacos]

I use Tiles for my keys and wallet...I envision a day (in the not too distant future) when most things I own have Tiles attached

Off topic here.....but a few days ago I lost my keys (turns out I left them in a grocery store). The grocery people simply scanned my little 'points' tag attached to my key ring, and got my name and phone number, so they were able to contact me. It's nice that I'm able to get my keys back, but I had no idea that information could be lifted off those tags.

 

[SYates]

... The grocery people simply scanned my little 'points' tag attached to my key ring, and got my name and phone number, so they were able to contact me. It's nice that I'm able to get my keys back, but I had no idea that information could be lifted off those tags.

Now imagine your keys with tag would have been found by somebody less honest, somebody that just waits until you leave home for a spot of burglary ...
Buen Camino de la Vida, SY

 

[Icacos]

Now imagine your keys with tag would have been found by somebody less honest, somebody that just waits until you leave home for a spot of burglary ...
Buen Camino de la Vida, SY

Fortunately, it was my cel phone number that was on my tag, and I don't know how simple it is to trace a person's address through his cel phone number - I take a little comfort in that. A land line number is a different matter; but I no longer have a land line.

BTW I am particularly happy to be getting my keys back as they have with them the only souvenir I brought back from the Camino - the little key fob which is my avatar. (On my avatar you may notice that both the shell symbol and the yellow arrow are pointing in the same direction, while the little pilgrim is going in the other way. It was our very own @wayfarer who suggested that my little fellow has already been to Santiago, and is now heading back home.)

 

[VNwalking]

I had no idea that information could be lifted off those tags.

Anything with a bar code can be scanned.
Which is good and bad, as @SYates says.

I envision a day (in the not too distant future) when most things I own have Tiles attached

The thread is migrating to lost things and how to find them--also a useful thing on the Camino.
I hope that someday I will not need a tile for myself (not all who wander are lost, but the older we get the more likely that is).

 

[Smallest_Sparrow]

Anything with a bar code can be scanned.
Which is good and bad, as @SYates says.


The thread is migrating to lost things and how to find them--also a useful thing on the Camino.
I hope that someday I will not need a tile for myself (not all who wander are lost, but the older we get the more likely that is).

I'm just pinning my supermarket rewards card to my shirt collar

 

[Pville]

These chips aren't GPS unfortunately, they only work via Bluetooth. This means that you can only locate things if you are within 30 meters.
I still might get one for finding my keys at home.

Here's another product option called LugLoc, though more costly at about $70, that has greater range for use on luggage/backpacks: http://bit.ly/2cvGF96

 

[Tia Valeria]

Backpacks and buses:-
We hooked ours together and also pushed them into the middle of the bus hold. The only way to get them out was to hook them with our walking sticks (they have curved tops) or climb in to get them. Other places we could lock them together and to the furniture.
Our cards are cash cards not linked to our account and our credit card is flagged 'for holiday items only' on the card security system, plus the dead card trick etc. We do what we can and trust for the rest.....

 

[Carlos Santiago]

Now we all must carry 3 wallets (2 fake)---the robbers will get wise and after we hand them one it wil be "come on, come on, we know you've got a second wallet." I can envision the thread: "got my three wallets down to 1.1 pounds by shaving the edges of cards...opinions?"

I just love this. Double Har!

 

[Hiawatha]

@Wokabaut_Meri I'd never thought about the metal underwire in my bra.

An interesting theory links underwire bras to an increased risk of developing breast cancer . I stress this is a theory although backed by some research . It appears that the shape of this reinforcing and conductive material is an almost exact match to collector aerials for high frequency radio and microwave transmissions . More risk from these than lightning.

 

[SYates]

An interesting theory links underwire bras to an increased risk of developing breast cancer . I stress this is a theory although backed by some research . It appears that the shape of this reinforcing and conductive material is an almost exact match to collector aerials for high frequency radio and microwave transmissions . More risk from these than lightning.

Who has voiced that theory? What are his/her scientific/academic credentials? And where is a proof that "high frequency radio and microwave transmissions" are a health risk/cause cancer? SY

 

[Kanga]

I don't plan to waste too much time considering death by underwire bra and lightning or microwaves. There are lots of ways to die. If you want to find a few interesting ones, try reading through this list.

 

[Smallest_Sparrow]

great. now I have a whole new source for nightmares (scaphism)...so Kanga if I can't sleep tonight I can just call you to chat, right?

 

[Hiawatha]

Yes Kanga , there are lots of things to worry about , Lightning included
As far as the research there are literally thousands of studies concerning the effects of electromagnetic fields and their effects on human tissue , there is little doubt that exposure to these can at the very least exacerbate pre existing conditions .
I found the underwire connection interesting ; some years ago the same bras were thought to place pressure on the lymphatic system thus increasing such risks . This was quickly proven to be incorrect and yet some correlation remained .
The research into the EMF attraction is as yet unpublished and is being undertaken by a colleague .

 

[Anniesantiago]

Yes Kanga , there are lots of things to worry about , Lightning included
As far as the research there are literally thousands of studies concerning the effects of electromagnetic fields and their effects on human tissue , there is little doubt that exposure to these can at the very least exacerbate pre existing conditions .
I found the underwire connection interesting ; some years ago the same bras were thought to place pressure on the lymphatic system thus increasing such risks . This was quickly proven to be incorrect and yet some correlation remained .
The research into the EMF attraction is as yet unpublished and is being undertaken by a colleague .

I am constantly aware of EMFs - All I know is this.

1. When my grandmother died, she had a box of about 14 watches people had given here over the years. She would wear a watch for about 72 hours and it would stop. I have seen street lights and house lights flicker, go on and/or off when she would enter a room. I've also experienced this myself, though not lately. More at the height of my illness.

2. Certain electromagnetic currents can make me extremely sick and many people with MCS cannot use computers or cell phones without experiencing pain. I had one laptop I had to dump because using it meant resting my wrists on the mousepad, where I could feel the current. My wrists and hands would not only ache, but would swell up after a short period of use. I called them my "football" hands because that's what they felt like bathe fingers would be like fat sausages and it felt like they would split if I bent them.

3. I can not hold the cell phone up to my ear without a resulting migraines I use the speaker, which droves other people crazy.

 

[Icacos]

........... Certain electromagnetic currents can make me extremely sick and many people with MCS cannot use computers or cell phones without experiencing pain. I had one laptop I had to dump because using it meant resting my wrists on the mousepad, where I could feel the current. My wrists and hands would not only ache, but would swell up after a short period of use. I called them my "football" hands because that's what they felt like bathe fingers would be like fat sausages and it felt like they would split if I bent them.

3. I can not hold the cell phone up to my ear without a resulting migraines I use the speaker, which droves other people crazy.

Thank you for your post, Annie. I'm sorry to hear of the difficulties you have to endure. Your post is a gentle reminder to the rest of us of what some others have to contend with on a day to day basis.