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.
For a list of other con tricks practised around the world, and advice on how
to avoid them, see our
gallery on common holiday scams.
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