Theft from Goyo's Quesada - stealing beggars

Had a begger approach us at Goyo's - noticed as they had walked off, so had my phone. Very cleverly hid the phone under a piece of paper she was showing us, while no doubt sliding into pocket or handbag.

If you are offered Galaxy S8+ reward offered - though I doubt she is local, scurrying back off to her Eastern European / Russian gang buddies.

Police called, but guessing that will be the last i'll see of my month old phone. First and last time that will happen.

Watch your bags / phones!

Bad luck Paul. Thanks for the warning.

Yes bad luck and thanks for warning

Not going to stress myself too much - first time anything stolen or such issues in 14 years, so on balance not exactly often - but more for a lesson, for people to keep eyes peeled.

I count myself as pretty observant, though clearly did get caught - a couple of times abroad someone attempted to pick pocket me and failed. But this woman was super slick - the way she passed the piece of paper briefly over the phone, obscuring 2 peoples views, then palmed the phone - was very well done. I spotted 60 seconds too late....Won't make the same mistake again.

Also had phone security on the phone, every 15 mins locked, so chances they'll have to reset it so won't get anything useful out of it - don't keep passwords on the phone and of course asap as a precautionary measure, changed passwords dropbox, facebook, all email accounts - paypal etc....Phoned Yoigo blocked sim instantly, got new sim from shop 7 euros, blocked old one.

Fortunately nowdays all the contacts are backed up on google, so getting back online quickly with a spare phone, all done quickly...

Also worth mentioning - household insurance - Mapfre covers up to €200 for a phone...a little far removed from the cost of the latest smartphones - lessons learnt, insurance on phone in future...or cheaper phone!

Paul - TV Techie wrote:Had a begger approach us at Goyo's - noticed as they had walked off, so had my phone. Very cleverly hid the phone under a piece of paper she was showing us, while no doubt sliding into pocket or handbag.

If you are offered Galaxy S8+ reward offered - though I doubt she is local, scurrying back off to her Eastern European / Russian gang buddies.

Police called, but guessing that will be the last i'll see of my month old phone. First and last time that will happen.

Watch your bags / phones!

Sorry to hear this.

Did you have 'Prey' installed on your phone. It may not get it back for you but at least you could see where it is.

In the UK we heard of someone who could locate their phone by Prey, in a block of flats even the number of the flat but the police would not do anything about it.

No I did not - issue would be if they take the sim out and phone unlocked - if smart they can use a computer to bypass and reset so those type of apps will work to a point, though not sure if the sim is blocked or non functional, they will work?


I will state - not reflection on Goyo's in Quesada - staff were super helpful and called the Guardia - so reported to them, they advised me to do a denouncia in Almoradi, but to be honest - little point me wasting an hour or more in the police station, no way they will find the phone and the lady - i'm sure she's / partner have done the local rounds and won't appear too soon again in Quesada.

Eastern European / accent 5'4 ' 5'6 - short dark bob, fair skinned slightly pockmarked with acne scars, slim build.

Anyone come begging or comes up to you asking for anything check your phone / handbag.....

You need to phone the police with the imei number and your phone provider - it blocks the phone from working. If you still have the box it will be printed on there or before the event *#06#
Or for anyone else reading this - check and keep a note of it.

Be back in China within a week ..!!!!!

I had my phone stolen from my bag last night in Roka the Thai restaurant. Does anyone know what time Englksh speaking staff are in the police station in Almoradi. I phoned last night and again this morning, but no one slope English.

You will need an interpreter as they speak very little English at Almoradi Guardia station , but certainly understand it ..!!