Suitcases
in Spain are the setting for 'Trojan horse' tourist scam
Secreted in suitcases, nimble
thieves in Spain are infiltrating bus cargo holds and stealing from tourists as
they travel
By The Telegraph
Vigilant travellers already
versed in common scams know that some situations should be avoided: when in
Bangkok, don’t accept your tuk-tuk driver’s offer to visit a nearby gem shop;
in tourist spots, be wary of street entertainers who urge you to bet money on a
game of chance. However, even frequent visitors to Spain are likely to be
unfamiliar with the country’s latest con, as Spanish police have reported that
‘Trojan horse’ thieves are hiding in luggage in order to steal possessions
being transported between popular tourist destinations.
The Times reports that
contortionists are hiding in luggage which is then placed in a bus cargo hold
by an accomplice. During the journey, the occupant emerges from their hiding
spot and steals small valuables such as cameras from surrounding luggage. The
thief packs the haul into his suitcase and reseals himself inside as the bus
reaches its destination.
Reports of the scam were
initially met with incredulity and when, in 2011, five tourists made claims
about their belongings being stolen during journeys on the Barcelona Bus
company they were disregarded. Workers at the firm eventually figured out the
ruse after seeing a man talking to a suitcase.
Speaking to The Times, a
spokesperson for the Catalan regional police, Mossos d’Escuadra, said: “The
Trojan horse version is rare but happens... We advise tourists to leave all
valuables at their hotel and be vigilant.” The advice is unlikely to benefit
travellers en route from one destination to another, but other tips are more
practical. Barcelona was recently named the destination in which visiting
Britons are most likely to fall victim to
scams, and in their guide to the city, concierges from three of its
best hotels advised tourists to take care on Las
Ramblas, a hotspot for petty crime. Tourists are advised not to
engage with anyone who might ask them for directions and, where possible, to
prevent other people from touching them.