Huff, sister Candela we're sharing the same scary experience… it doesn't happen only in Lavapies…in Bilbao too… Yesterday evening, as I was walking towards my home my mobile rang, I answered it, in one hand and in the other hand was looking for my keys, suddenly a hand was sent from behind and kidnapped my mobile and a guy burst into running. Left me shivering, felt so vulnerable... so impotently… thought it could have been worst… vision the bleeding bruised face of my friend Sunny, who was robbed two weeks ago in his home's entrance. This year I've been experienced it all, more than in all my many years of living … Few months ago, my purse with lots of cash money, credit cards and many personal irrevocable items, was stolen in the middle of H.N shop on Grand via St. Two months ago my Visa credit cards was stolen, and 7500 euros were taken out of my bank account (this is due to a stupid system in Israel connecting the banks and the credit cards companies). Only last week after long negotiations, they agreed to give me back my money only by signing my consent to go through a Polygraph test. And now this….. This is the third time; superstition says the third time is the last time, the cycle is completed… I certainly hope so!!!
I wish you all a nice & safe weekend
Nava
Age is a matter of mind, if you don't mind it doesn't matter.
Posts: 314 | Location: Israel >Madrid | Registered: 29 July 2004
I'm so sorry to hear about that Nava. I had to restrain myself from the male desire to offer suggestions knowing that in reality it doesn't help you now. I do hope fervently that you are spared from similar attacks in the future. You've paid your "dues".
Posts: 289 | Location: Madrid via DC via Mexico via ... | Registered: 01 August 2003
wow, Navalee sorry to hear the rough time your having. Hope things get better for you soon.
They say that thieves study potential victims before they actually rob someone. Maybe you behave or have some bad habits that make you an easy target for robbers.
While I was reading your post, I remembered an incident just yesterday in a small store. It was an American student who was at the counter to pay her bill, all of the sudden she realizes that she needs 5€ to pay the bill and runs out the store to ask her friend to spot her the money.
What was stunning was that she left her money purse along with other belongings on the counter totally unattended, when she came back, I politely explained that she couldn't do that here (or anywhere as a matter of fact) and that she needs to be more careful with her belongings.
I know she was surprised when I told her that, and realized the goof she had committed, I just hope she doesn't do that too often, cause she's going to end up having it stolen.
Take care though, hope you feel better in a couple of days.
Posts: 66 | Location: Madrid | Registered: 23 July 2002
You think you take better care. You think you're smarter. And you are, but sometimes it just doesn't matter.
I had already been robbed twice here in Spain, and now I am habitually paranoid. I always put my wallet in the inside zippered pocket of my purse and wear the purse under my outerwear (jacket, coat etc) and that's how I had it last night.
I was walking down c/Toledo about 12:30AM, alone, and was jumped from behind, as someone put his hands on my shoulders. He then grabbed the purse (it was visible under my sweater and jacket) and *yanked* hard enough to break the strap, and ran. I chased him but he got away.
I'm fine, and luckily I wasn't carrying my DNI and had forgotten my bus abono at home. He got my Caixa cards and passport, and not a lot of cash.
Oh, Juliette, so sorry that happened to you. A good reminder to all of us to "batten down the hatches". I really need to make a copy of my DNI and stop carrying mine. I've gotten lazy.
Posts: 1064 | Location: Madrid | Registered: 10 December 2002
that's the whole problem, you get lazy. I had my backpack picked at Attocha thank god it was one of the few times I was wearing a pouch pack with my camera and wallet or I would have lost them both.
formerly timhortonsman
Posts: 374 | Location: Tres Cantos | Registered: 29 June 2006
Juliette, I'm really sad to hear that. We have had a number of visitors recently, all of whom remarked on how safe it felt walking around the streets late at night. I guess at the end of the day, it is still a big city, and bad thngs can happen in big cities.
In spite of the bad experiences that some of you have had here, I'd be interested to know if you feel Madrid is a 'safer' city than similar sized cities in the US/England/Australia/elsewhere in Europe.
Oh Juliette, how horrid for you, it must have been really scary, even though you tried to go after them
Steve, in answer to your question, I think of Madrid as the safest city I have ever been in, and as you know, wander around it at the most unearthly hours and in the strangest places, all on my own (though I'm not sure that I know they are strange when I am there ).
Everyone is aware, but, as in Juliettes case, if someone is intent on robbing someone, whatever the time or place, there is no stopping them. I just thank god Juliette, you weren't harmed.
________________________________________ Growing old is mandatory; growing up is optional
(though I'm not sure that I know they are strange when I am there
yes sue but i would argue that even if they are not strange they become so as soon as you arrive
jules, sorry to hear about what happened. i HATE when bad things happen to good people
i will add however that while it is the gut instinct and the forst thing that comes to mind after something like this happend, it is NOT a good idea to give persuit of the thief, even if you are bigger than him. especially at night when it is dark and you are alone. god only knows what evil lurks in the thieves heart, what kind of weapon he has on him and how far he is willing to go to get what he wants
- rent or buy a cell phone from me for your stay in spain, more info at 
- already have a cell phone, get a spanish SIM card for it at 
).
