Be vigilant

Saturday 27th Aug we were sitting outside within ten feet of the front door but not in sight of it and we had not locked the door. Thieves entered the house and stole my bag and my daughters bag. We are not sure of the exact time but between 3 O'clock & 7 O'clock. It was when we had showered and dressed to got out that evening we noticed they were missing. My bag had my wallet with credit and debit cards, UK driving licence and quite a lot of money as it was the first day of our holiday. My daughter lost here phone. We called 112 and the police arrived but said we have to go to Almoradi police station to report it. One of our neighbours typed up the statement in Spanish and we went to Almoradi on the Sunday, the police would not accept the statement. We were told to go away and not return unless we have an interpreter. I found them unhelpful in a stressful situation. Sorry for the length of this, but I want people to be vigilant. We live in Quesada, I know it is a knee jerk reaction but we are considering selling what was our dream holiday home. We can't claim on our insurance as the first officers that arrived did not give us a crime number.

This is horrendous, and quite worrying. Only last night my husband and I saw two women trying the gates in our street in Quesada. My husband confronted them when they tried to open our friend's gate and told them to clear off. Unfortunatly the street lights were off so we couldn't see them too clearly. Youngish, slim, dark hair was all I could make out.

So Sorry to hear that, dont give up on your dream you must keep doors or grills locked even when in the garden and just be vigilant, we have had a home here 16 years and had no trouble so dont be put off, also when you go in put handbags and phones out of site ie in a wardrobe or cupboard. (also keys)

Scott wrote:Saturday 27th Aug we were sitting outside within ten feet of the front door but not in sight of it and we had not locked the door. Thieves entered the house and stole my bag and my daughters bag. We are not sure of the exact time but between 3 O'clock & 7 O'clock. It was when we had showered and dressed to got out that evening we noticed they were missing. My bag had my wallet with credit and debit cards, UK driving licence and quite a lot of money as it was the first day of our holiday. My daughter lost here phone. We called 112 and the police arrived but said we have to go to Almoradi police station to report it. One of our neighbours typed up the statement in Spanish and we went to Almoradi on the Sunday, the police would not accept the statement. We were told to go away and not return unless we have an interpreter. I found them unhelpful in a stressful situation. Sorry for the length of this, but I want people to be vigilant. We live in Quesada, I know it is a knee jerk reaction but we are considering selling what was our dream holiday home. We can't claim on our insurance as the first officers that arrived did not give us a crime number.

Very sorry to hear about this and your bad experience at the police station.
I know it won't help you now but I don't know how many times we have heard this happening before, on the forum, and the sound advice has always been to lock doors or grilles and gates even when sitting in the garden. There is always the chance of opportunist thieves everywhere and they look for the easiest opportunity.

I don't understand why they didn't give you a report or why you couldn't use the Rojales police station as Quesada is in Rojales.

This exact thing happened to our friends in Menorca while they were in the pool at the back of their villa and they had left front door unlocked. It doesn't matter where we live.

Jan

Saturday 27th Aug we were sitting outside within ten feet of the front door but not in sight of it and we had not locked the door. Thieves entered the house and stole my bag and my daughters bag. We are not sure of the exact time but between 3 O'clock & 7 O'clock. It was when we had showered and dressed to got out that evening we noticed they were missing. My bag had my wallet with credit and debit cards, UK driving licence and quite a lot of money as it was the first day of our holiday. My daughter lost here phone. We called 112 and the police arrived but said we have to go to Almoradi police station to report it. One of our neighbours typed up the statement in Spanish and we went to Almoradi on the Sunday, the police would not accept the statement. We were told to go away and not return unless we have an interpreter. I found them unhelpful in a stressful situation. Sorry for the length of this, but I want people to be vigilant. We live in Quesada, I know it is a knee jerk reaction but we are considering selling what was our dream holiday home. We can't claim on our insurance as the first officers that arrived did not give us a crime number.

I must know at least 5 other people that this has happened to on Quesada and El Raso.
In each case it has happened very early in their holiday and by thieves who move like rats in the night.
Why let this ruin your dream, it could happen anywhere!!!
There are untold warnings on various forums and in the local free press, about these scum.
Look, no one was hurt, you are now much the wiser and will not drop your hands again.
I have had a property here for many years, if we are at the front of the house the back door is locked and vice versa. The outer gate is always locked. Make it a habit.
We had to do this at our home and our business in London and you really need to do the same everywhere.
I love it here on Quesada and surrounds and in Spain generally, you will love it too.
Try to put this behind you.
I hope you can, I wish you all the best.

Mickey Braw wrote:I must know at least 5 other people that this has happened to on Quesada and El Raso.
In each case it has happened very early in their holiday and by thieves who move like rats in the night.
Why let this ruin your dream, it could happen anywhere!!!
There are untold warnings on various forums and in the local free press, about these scum.
Look, no one was hurt, you are now much the wiser and will not drop your hands again.
I have had a property here for many years, if we are at the front of the house the back door is locked and vice versa. The outer gate is always locked. Make it a habit.
We had to do this at our home and our business in London and you really need to do the same everywhere.
I love it here on Quesada and surrounds and in Spain generally, you will love it too.
Try to put this behind you.
I hope you can, I wish you all the best.

Stay alert and aware

So sorry to hear this. We have lived n Quesada area for 12 years now & have had no trouble, but we do take care. However back in the UK we were burgled once & three times our car was broken into. At night we walk around & feel quite safe where as back in the UK there are many places I avoid at night.

Micky & Lance both good posts please don't let scum spoil the dream! most people I know feel safer in Spain than the UK and ceartainly at night. Spain is a lovely place with lovely people but as with anywhere in the world you will get some dross but the good should always outway the bad.

Thanks for all the positive comments and advice.