Robbed in Spain

[Hopesy]

1footinthegrave - 2011-12-18 11:16 AM

 

Although not up to speed with these things probably because I'm a bit thick according to some on here,but my daughter tells me you can get an "app" on a smart phone that gives you instant translation, provided that is you can access the internet at the time, might be worth a look for others that don't have the lingo.

 

My android phone HTC desire already has this function. haven't tried it yet but it's worth having a look.

[Dogsbody]

Sorry to read about your experience Bulletguy. Perhaps one of these cameras might be worth it for anyone traveling abroad? At £40 not too much for some piece of mind.

http://www.henrys.co.uk/cctv/In%20Car%20Camera%20DVR%20Video%20Recorder.htm

No doubt other models and prices are available. Dogsbody

[Guest Peter James]

Mike88 - 2011-12-18 10:20 AM

 

When non English speakers appear at a Police station in this country my impression is that the Police find a translator. Surely if a crime is committed in Spain the authorities should take that crime seriously and not discriminate between those who speak Spanish and those who do not.

 

I believe when a person is charged with a crime they have a right to a translator. In which case they are likely to be held in a cell until a translator is available.

Its not an automatic right to everyone in every situation.

 

Interesting ideas here. I have an electronic translator add on to Microsoft Word but some of the translations are laughable or nonsensical. The resolution of the video camera is very unlikely to be good enough to identify someone from your dashboard, and I would be reluctant to hold it up to their faces in case they got violent.

 

With all the wisdom of hindsight it would be easier just to keep driving, spread your valubles around and hidden where they don't see them. I aslways keep my wallet in a shirt chest pocket buttoned down, so its impossible to pick and I don't have to take it out to sit down comfortably, or even to sleep.

 

And fit a secret switch so they can't start your vehicle if they take your keys.

 

 

[Hopesy]

 

languageline is used for victims of crime, road accidents and other situations not just offenders and those charged with an offence.

Rog

[Guest pelmetman]

Peter James - 2011-12-18 12:24 PM

 

And fit a secret switch so they can't start your vehicle if they take your keys.

 

What about the steering lock (?)

[Guest Peter James]

pelmetman - 2011-12-18 12:36 PM

 

Peter James - 2011-12-18 12:24 PM

 

And fit a secret switch so they can't start your vehicle if they take your keys.

 

What about the steering lock (?)

 

Secret switch is more likely to get used, as you can just flick it over when you get out.

Probably take them loger to figure it out too.

Most steering locks easily dealt with by a crowbar and someone not bothered about how much damage they do. Except the ones that completely cover the wheel. But they are such a pain to fit every time.

Still, any steering lock is better than nothing. I would suggest it, with the key hidden in the van not on your key ring, particularly for anyone who does not have the time or knowlege to fit a secret switch.

[johnnerontheroad]

When the scams with the faulse police cars in spain was going on the spanish authorities issued a telephone number for an english speaking operator to help you and the police with translation, but like a mug I never made a note of it. I think I read about it on fun so if anyone is a member over there they may be able to find it. Just a thought.

 

 

Dave

[Robinhood]

malc d - 2011-12-18 10:07 AM

 

Robinhood - 2011-12-18 8:57 AM

 

 

 

Can I point out Mr.Hood that this is an English speaking forum in an English speaking country, and most of the members are British.

Not Chinese.

 

 

 

;-)

 

 

.....maybe, but many of them don't appear to be able to write English.

 

8-) ;-)

 

 

 

 

edited to add:

 

....on a more serious note, seeing as I seem to be one of the people contributing to both levity, and moving the thread somewhat off-topic, my heart-felt sympathies go out to BG. I have a great admiration of anyone who will attempt such an "adventure" by themselves, and it's a great pity that this happened. I do hope it won't act as too much of a wet blanket, and that he strives to get over it, and succeeds.

 

 

[malc d]

Robinhood - 2011-12-18 12:46 PM

 

malc d - 2011-12-18 10:07 AM

 

Robinhood - 2011-12-18 8:57 AM

 

 

 

Can I point out Mr.Hood that this is an English speaking forum in an English speaking country, and most of the members are British.

Not Chinese.

 

 

 

;-)

 

 

.....maybe, but many of them don't appear to be able to write English.

 

8-) ;-)

 

 

 

 

edited to add:

 

....on a more serious note, seeing as I seem to be one of the people contributing to both levity, and moving the thread somewhat off-topic, my heart-felt sympathies go out to BG. I have a great admiration of anyone who will attempt such an "adventure" by themselves, and it's a great pity that this happened. I do hope it won't act as too much of a wet blanket, and that he strives to get over it, and succeeds.

 

 

 

I would agree with everything you say in your edit.

 

The only ' good ' thing about it is that there was no violence involved - nevertheless a pretty traumatic experience.

All the best to BG.

 

 

[Patricia]

Bruce I understand exactly what you are saying about the Spanish and their own language and do not support arrogant loud mouth Brits in any way. I also know that there are different variations of the language within Spain. The policeman (see my earlier post) came from southern Spain and ran out to enquire if my grand-daughter had understood him as he found that his colleagues often did not.

 

Certainly if you want to live in Spain it is imperative that you learn as much Spanish as possible in order to integrate properly. For shorter stays perhaps people do not see the need other than ordinary pleasantries. Also not all people have the ability, the time, the money, nor the opportunity to learn foreign languages and as English is taught in Spanish schools (much as French is in the UK) it is perhaps not unreasonable to hope to find someone with some knowledge of it, particularly in an emergency. According to the news today at least one million Britons live in Spain and Portugal and Westminster is making provision to bring them back to England if the euro collapses in those countries. Plus the fact that English is the official language now used world wide and that Spain is very reliant on tourism so perhaps needs to develop these skills? Most campsite staff can speak English of course but often import these people instead of giving the jobs to their nationals. In Catalan you will usually find people understand French too. As that is the area that I usually visit I find this useful.

 

Many years ago I had a car stolen in France and was required to wait in the police station until an English speaking officer was found (although we actually conducted our business in French). There are lots of English speaking phone contact numbers and websites in France too. Do these not exist in Spain too? In the UK of course most official documents (certainly those outling help for social benefits etc.) are written in about 15 languages ( at great expense no doubt). In Switzerland transport operators speak perfect English, French, German and probably Japanese too now.

 

Many years ago I joined a company called Pass the Phone. I invested about €20 in it for peace of mind in case my late husband needed medical treatment. This meant that I would be able to have a three-way conversation with doctors etc. The firm has changed over the years but I think the principle is the same. See http://www.calluma.com/pass_the_phone.aspx for more info. I believe they have French and other language translators if needed.

 

Incidentally, just in case I fall foul of these bandits pretending to be bonofide police, I also carry a notice written in Spanish saying I will not open doors or windows but will follow them to the police station. It also has the English speaking phone number on it.

[Guest Peter James]

The good advice given to me when I first went to Spain was as long as things are going well you don't need to speak Spanish. Getting fuel, shopping, eating out etc, all done fairly easily without speaking Spanish. Its only when things go wrong you really need to speak Spanish.

[Patricia]

Peter James - 2011-12-18 1:34 PM

 

The good advice given to me when I first went to Spain was as long as things are going well you don't need to speak Spanish. Getting fuel, shopping, eating out etc, all done fairly easily without speaking Spanish. Its only when things go wrong you really need to speak Spanish.

 

Exactly - but we never know when that will happen, do we? The advice I was given was to never speak to the police (if stopped) in their own language. They are more likely to let you off if they have to speak English!

[johnnerontheroad]

johnnerontheroad - 2011-12-18 12:45 PM

 

When the scams with the faulse police cars in spain was going on the spanish authorities issued a telephone number for an english speaking operator to help you and the police with translation, but like a mug I never made a note of it. I think I read about it on fun so if anyone is a member over there they may be able to find it. Just a thought.

 

 

Dave

 

Just found the phone number this may help the quote is from another forum not fun as I thought.

 

"The Spanish police have set up an emergency phone number (902-10-21-12)

with English

speaking staff for tourists offering round the clock assistance.

 

An English speaking operator will take a statement about the incident,

translate it into Spanish and transmit it to the nearest police station. You

will still have to report in person to a police station if you have an

accident or have been robbed or swindled. The help line operator will give

you the details of the nearest police station."

 

Dave

[Mike88]

Patricia...........your follow you to the Polce station notice is flawed. You could follow them down some unknown road where you could be attacked.

[Geoff Tuckley]

it is not the fact that there was a language barrier, it was the fact that they were nonchelant in their approach to the problem and made it quite clear that they just could not be bothered. My friend in UK is a police officer and if he adopted the dozy, could not be bothered approach they do, he would not last five minutes in the job. Any country that depends on tourism for the greater part of its earnings should for its own sake have services available for tourists in trouble. It is all part of the dozy Manana approach and my job is here whether or not." I spend lots of time in Spain as I have familly who live there and you know as well as I that most Spanish people only tolerate Brits because they are a source of money.

I also speak French and Modern Greek, Still no good for Spanish coppers!

[Patricia]

Mike88 - 2011-12-18 2:01 PM

 

Patricia...........your follow you to the Polce station notice is flawed. You could follow them down some unknown road where you could be attacked.

 

Quite so but I hope that if I have my wits about me (not assured in that situation - I tend to believe everyone is genuine!!) and talk on the phone (pointing to that number) and take photos, they will take the hint and buzz off!

 

However, some people are genuine - my car was stolen, desolate place, no mobile phones so no chance of taxi, car containing two Algerians pulled up, offered help, foolishly took it, taken to Gendarmerie (who did not want to know), taken to nearest town (very nervous by this time as had seen many "tools" on the car floor which suggested they were car thieves), escorted down the road to the National Police station where they were not allowed in (?). Result - very grateful person (if not a nervous wreck!) . I am sure many on here would say "how foolish" but it certainly restored my faith in human nature.

[Mike88]

Patricia - 2011-12-18 2:42 PM

 

Mike88 - 2011-12-18 2:01 PM

 

Patricia...........your follow you to the Polce station notice is flawed. You could follow them down some unknown road where you could be attacked.

 

However, some people are genuine

 

Very true and reminds me of the time when I had a stand off with French Police at the service area outside Millau. It wasn't my finest moment when I threatened the Police with my wheelbrace at 2am one morning but fortuneately when I established they were genuine they saw the funny side of it. But when confronted by two individuals in a suspect uniform (blue food stained shirts) and a van that was badly damaged with the rear light smashed out it was not unreasonable of me to initially think they were not genuine.

[derek500]

Patricia - 2011-12-18 2:27 PMAccording to the news today at least one million Britons live in Spain and Portugal and Westminster is making provision to bring them back to England if the euro collapses in those countries.

 

Don't know why that resurfaced again today, it was in the papers last month!!

 

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/8917077/Prepare-for-riots-in-euro-collapse-Foreign-Office-warns.html

[Bulletguy]

Patricia - 2011-12-17 8:31 PM

This is my third attempt to post on this thread – I get so far and then it disappears into the ether. Anyway I will try again!

 

So sorry to hear of your awful experiences BG. As you do not mention a passenger, maybe you were a lone traveller so not at all easy to take photos or use the phone as you are driving fast to outwit the “bandits”?

 

I travel alone and I am becoming more and more nervous of driving in Spain. I know several people who have been hijacked and, of course, a woman alone is a soft target.

 

Yes I am a solo traveller and this is my first bad experience. I have a friend who uses the identical type of camper to mine and regularly travels around Spain.......but there is him and his wife. I'm quite sure had these scumbags seen there were TWO people in the van and not just one, they wouldn't have bothered.

 

Lots of interesting comments on this thread and I have been somewhat surprised to find what happened to me is considered a regular occurrence around this area/type of road.

 

I am grateful to Bruce (BGD) who pm'd me early on as he thought I was still in Spain, and we have exchanged pm's.

 

Mention has been made by a poster about the 'nonchalant approach' by the Police rather than the language barrier. This is correct and I still find this disturbing. Bear in mind that I sat inside the Police Station for almost one hour before being called to the desk by a woman Police Officer who had spent her time generally larking around with any male Police Officers who walked in.

 

There was much huffing and puffing when she shoved two papers at me and just said "fill this". I felt I was just another of those nuisance foreigner's which meant the chore of form filling.

 

Prior to this when I had to drive the 20kms to the next Service Area where a number of Police were doing vehicle checks, I had to BEG them to do something. I PLEADED for help yet they seemed more interested in sitting around listening to their radios

 

To give you some idea of time lapse, I had refuelled at precisely 11.45am (that's the time marked on the receipt I still have from the Services). The robbery took place approx 5 - 10 mins AFTER leaving the Service area i'd refuelled at. I then had to drive 20kms to the Service area where the Police were.....the fastest 20kms i've ever drove my van at hitting 90mph.

 

The Police report is indicated as 1500hr. So a full three hours after the event.

 

As for the language issue and UK Police, I THINK (I can't be 100%) you may find that virtually every language on planet earth is on offer especially with the many different Indian and Asian languages being commonplace. UK has long been a multi-racial country back from days of the Empire etc, and for any Officer faced with the task of detailing a report from a victim of crime it would not be acceptable simply to shrug shoulders and shovel papers at them with the command of "fill this".

[Arthur Brown]

Hi

The emergency number above - is that it complete or do we have to put the country code when using UK mobile phones?

Art

[Bulletguy]

johnnerontheroad - 2011-12-18 1:47 PM

 

Just found the phone number this may help the quote is from another forum not fun as I thought.

 

"The Spanish police have set up an emergency phone number (902-10-21-12)

with English

speaking staff for tourists offering round the clock assistance.

 

An English speaking operator will take a statement about the incident,

translate it into Spanish and transmit it to the nearest police station. You

will still have to report in person to a police station if you have an

accident or have been robbed or swindled. The help line operator will give

you the details of the nearest police station."

 

Dave

 

That's useful for ALL travelling to Spain (or thinking of!). Also useful to make note of British Embassy numbers though unfortunately these places are always in big cities......and it's not much fun driving around trying to find the place!

[Guest 1footinthegrave]

As you are a sole traveller, have you considered a travelling companion that may provide both a degree of company, security, and a visual deterrent, I'm thinking Alsation here........... ;-)

[Patricia]

Bulletguy - bit of a myth about having two people in the vehicle though. I have spoken personally to several couples (mostly in caravans though) who have been hijacked and the bandits seem to always operate in threes - one to get the driver out, another to distract or encourage the passenger to alight as well and the third to steal what they want which is usually the wife's handbag (conveniently by her feet). This usually contains passports, dog passport, money and credit cards etc. The person who lost the dog passport was distraught as this is very difficult to replace.

 

I have been told that the most prized is the passport which can be sold for about £3000 - whether that is true or not, and not having criminal connections, I do not know.

 

Re post above - good advice. My dog always had a good bark and sounded very fierce but would in fact have licked them to death if they had entered! Now have a very small replacement (which I hope will develop the same sort of bark) but she is only tiny as yet. My daughter's dog certainly put intruders off and the marks of intent were on the 'van to prove it.

[Brian Kirby]

Mr & Mrs Batty - 2011-12-18 10:49 AM

 

Hopesy - 2011-12-18 10:28 AM

 

A bit off topic but over here there is a thing called languageline. If soemone needs to talk to the police (or other social service i think), the officer will dial a premium rate number and then input a code for what ever language is required. The person on the other end of the phone then acts as the interpreter. I'm surprised that other EU countries don't have a similar system.

Rog

 

Thats a great idea Rog, could be introduced in all countries via police radios and police stations. The fought of being long termers from the middle of next year and travelling through numerous countries with our only basic grasp of English is a little worrying !

Wonder if the Spanish police could and a interpreter on hand that is fluent in 'Pug' ??

It is, if I remember, a service that can be obtained, at a cost, via a mobile 'phone. Something to arm yourselves with, now you know. No excuses! :-)

[Bulletguy]

Patricia - 2011-12-18 4:38 PM

 

Bulletguy - bit of a myth about having two people in the vehicle though. I have spoken personally to several couples (mostly in caravans though) who have been hijacked and the bandits seem to always operate in threes - one to get the driver out, another to distract or encourage the passenger to alight as well and the third to steal what they want which is usually the wife's handbag (conveniently by her feet). This usually contains passports, dog passport, money and credit cards etc. The person who lost the dog passport was distraught as this is very difficult to replace.

 

I have been told that the most prized is the passport which can be sold for about £3000 - whether that is true or not, and not having criminal connections, I do not know.

 

They certainly operate in three's though i'd not seen the third occupant of the car until they drove away (must have lay down on the back seat as the car pulled me in). Driver and passenger distracted me as described previously whilst the third did the robbing by entering the van.

 

Had there been someone with me, whilst not discounting it altogether i'd say the chances are greatly reduced. Why bother trying to rob a vehicle with two people in when you can choose a vehicle with only a driver?

 

As for the Passport, mine was brand new. Replaced in November just before leaving UK and they are quite different to the 'old' style. The photo id is imprinted into the page and running through the photo is some kind of electronic watermarking. The photo is also duplicated on a second page.

 

I've already spoken with the Passport Office who have confirmed this new style of Passport has not been compromised.........yet. Needless to say I have to pay for another one now.