WARNING/ AWARENESS POST
I wanted to spread as much awareness as possible, as sadly we had all our luggage stolen from our LOCKED hire car, parked outside the Hard Rock Hotel in Playa D'en Bossa yesterday!
At 16:00hrs we parked on the main road outside the Hard Rock Hotel (1 Ctra. de Platja d'en Bossa, Sant Josep de sa Talaia, Balearic Islands), on route to the airport to have late lunch before our flight back to the UK.
The car was locked securely, with no items on display in the vehicle, with all our luggage securely locked in the boot.
After completing lunch, we returned to the vehicle, we didn't notice anything untoward or suspicious. We proceeded on the short journey to Ibiza airport. Upon arrival at the GoldCar hire drop-off at Ibiza airport, we opened the locked boot of the car to find it had been emptied and all our luggage had been stolen.
There were no marks or scratches or signs of entry / damage on the car, indicating the thieves used an electronic device or bypass to enter vehicle!!
Thankfully, we were vigilant in taking our passports with us – however the thieves managed to steal all other personal belongings.
Realizing what had happened, and with only 2.5 hours until our flight departed, we got back in the car and returned to where it had been parked to look for evidence. After speaking with the security guard at the Hard Rock Hotel, he advised this was a common well-known scam in the area and that there were no CCTV cameras to provide evidence.
During the journey I called the Policia, first the local station number who did not speak English and advised that I call 112. Upon calling 112 I was informed that they were unable to take a statement over the telephone or online and that the only option would be to drive to Ibiza Town Police station and wait for a translator to make a written report. I explained to the telephone agent that our flight was due to depart in 2 hours and given the large financial loss incurred already, this would not be feasible. I asked if there was any other way to make a report, given the time sensitivity and was told to report to the police at the airport, as the only option.
We returned to Ibiza airport and immediately reported to the police office. Frustratingly both the Guardia Civil and Policia offices were closed. In panic we headed to the information desk, who advised us that they were likely out on patrol and not at the airport, and there was nothing that could be done to help us.
From there, I spoke with the airline desk to seek advice but was given the same message - that nothing could be done.
Incredibly upset and distressed, and unable to get any help we had no choice but to board our return flight to the UK. Now back in the UK, and after trying to seek further advice, I am attempting to file a Denuncia Police Report however am being advised this is not possible since I am no longer in Spain.
Sharing this post for awareness - please never leave any items in your car in Ibiza. We have since been informed this is a common scam & thieves are able to access securely locked cars, and specifically target tourist areas.
I wanted to spread as much awareness as possible, as sadly we had all our luggage stolen from our LOCKED hire car, parked outside the Hard Rock Hotel in Playa D'en Bossa yesterday!
At 16:00hrs we parked on the main road outside the Hard Rock Hotel (1 Ctra. de Platja d'en Bossa, Sant Josep de sa Talaia, Balearic Islands), on route to the airport to have late lunch before our flight back to the UK.
The car was locked securely, with no items on display in the vehicle, with all our luggage securely locked in the boot.
After completing lunch, we returned to the vehicle, we didn't notice anything untoward or suspicious. We proceeded on the short journey to Ibiza airport. Upon arrival at the GoldCar hire drop-off at Ibiza airport, we opened the locked boot of the car to find it had been emptied and all our luggage had been stolen.
There were no marks or scratches or signs of entry / damage on the car, indicating the thieves used an electronic device or bypass to enter vehicle!!
Thankfully, we were vigilant in taking our passports with us – however the thieves managed to steal all other personal belongings.
Realizing what had happened, and with only 2.5 hours until our flight departed, we got back in the car and returned to where it had been parked to look for evidence. After speaking with the security guard at the Hard Rock Hotel, he advised this was a common well-known scam in the area and that there were no CCTV cameras to provide evidence.
During the journey I called the Policia, first the local station number who did not speak English and advised that I call 112. Upon calling 112 I was informed that they were unable to take a statement over the telephone or online and that the only option would be to drive to Ibiza Town Police station and wait for a translator to make a written report. I explained to the telephone agent that our flight was due to depart in 2 hours and given the large financial loss incurred already, this would not be feasible. I asked if there was any other way to make a report, given the time sensitivity and was told to report to the police at the airport, as the only option.
We returned to Ibiza airport and immediately reported to the police office. Frustratingly both the Guardia Civil and Policia offices were closed. In panic we headed to the information desk, who advised us that they were likely out on patrol and not at the airport, and there was nothing that could be done to help us.
From there, I spoke with the airline desk to seek advice but was given the same message - that nothing could be done.
Incredibly upset and distressed, and unable to get any help we had no choice but to board our return flight to the UK. Now back in the UK, and after trying to seek further advice, I am attempting to file a Denuncia Police Report however am being advised this is not possible since I am no longer in Spain.
Sharing this post for awareness - please never leave any items in your car in Ibiza. We have since been informed this is a common scam & thieves are able to access securely locked cars, and specifically target tourist areas.