Accommodation in Madrid and safety

Question

Someone recently asked about accommodation in Madrid - I can't find the post at the moment. I just want to say - please be careful when travelling on the outskirts of the city of Madrid as I got robbed when driving from UK to Spain. Apparently it is quite a common occurrence, we were driving on the ring road/by pass and got pulled over by what looked like plain clothed policemen waving (fake) ID. We stopped, wondering what was wrong and a man of Moroccan appearance asked (in English) to search our belongs as they were having a lot of trouble with counterfeit money in the area. When he departed I realized all our money (genuine) had gone as well - how stupid can you get!! These people are very convincing and it is best not to argue with them. To report an emergency 902 102 112 is a good number as you will be transferred to someone who speaks your language. Having said that - don't panic and enjoy Spain!

Gee, I know this is common in Central America, in one form or another, but I didn't know it happened in Spain! - Jeremias, Jan 5, 2012

I'm afraid it's due to the financial crisis - at one time it was for drugs but nowadays there are numerous robberies and break-ins by people who are out of work. - caza, Jan 5, 2012

Lots of cons too - you've got a flat tyre and next thing you know your handbag has gone and I don't live on the tourist route.e - caza, Jan 5, 2012

Answer 1

Thank you for sharing your experience Caza.

Answer 2

I am very sorry to hear about your terrible experience, Caza. The tragedy in addition to your personal loss is that it reflects badly upon genuine Hipsanic (Spanish-speaking) people,who from my own experience of 51 years of life are very sincere and honest people who are also very kind and hospitable and would be genuinely shocked and saddened to hear of your experience!

The person who robbed you may or may not have been poor, but whatever his personal reason/s for doing so it is certainly indefensible to rob holiday makers who are coming to your own country with the intention of enjoying your country and spending money in that same country! It discourages and deters people from returning and, God knows, Spain needs all the money it can get from tourism especially at the moment while it is going though financial difficulties and high unemployment so it needs to deal severely with such people who rob and attack holiday makers and bring a bad name to their country! Add to that, his crime of impersonating a police officer! I will pray that he and such people like him get caught very quickly! He may have even been an immigrant! (I certainly hope that he was not a real but corrupt police officer :grrr

I say shame on him and people like him! He should be really ashamed of what he has done since it reflects badly on his country and the majority of other decent honest people in Spain!

Absolutely - I was driving to take up residence and couldn't pay the first month's rent, fortunately the landlord ws very understanding and kind. It was a few years ago but always on my mind when out and about. - caza, Jan 5, 2012

Answer 3

I believe I was the person who asked that question a few days ago. Thank you so much for the tip.

You're very welcome. - caza, Jan 6, 2012