Irish tourists planning to holiday in Spain this year are being warned about a clever new scam that’s catching people out.
Spanish police arrested two men aged 54 and 60 on Thursday in connection with the con. They are accused of six instances of theft and five cases of fraud, and were caught in Benalmadena - a resort on the Costa del Sol that’s popular with Irish holidaymakers.
It’s understood the pair stole bank cards and money after targeting elderly people and tourists in what’s being dubbed a ‘bird poo scam’.
The alleged scam sees someone throw liquid on the back of a victim's clothes. The perpetrator tells the person they have bird poo on them and offers to help them ‘clean up’ - however during an exaggerated wipe-down, the culprit steals wallets, bank cards and other valuables.
Irish tourists have been warned about holiday scams in recent weeks amid a surge in bookings for trips abroad.
The Department of Foreign Affairs says Spain has a “moderate” rate of crime and that Irish people should be aware of pickpocketing and muggings.
A post on its website reads: “Most of Spain has a moderate rate of crime. However, given the very high number of holidaymakers that visit Spain, additional security measures are rolled out in public areas at peak times, such as during the summer and at Christmas.
“You should be aware that in areas such as airports, bus stations, railway stations, tourist areas and major cities such as Madrid and Barcelona, there is a much higher risk of pickpocketing and muggings.”
The Department has issued the following advice for Irish people holidaying in Spain:
- Don’t carry your credit card, travel tickets and money together - leave spare cash and valuables in a safe place
- Don’t carry your passport unless absolutely necessary and leave a copy of your passport (and travel and insurance documents) with family or friends at home
- Avoid showing large sums of money in public and don’t use ATMs after dark, especially if you are alone. Check no one has followed you after conducting your business
- Keep a close eye on your personal belongings and hold on to them in public places such as internet cafes, train and bus stations
- Avoid dark and unlit streets and stairways, arrange to be picked up or dropped off as close to your hotel or apartment entrance as possible
The DFA also says Irish people in Spain should be vigilant about petty crime.
A spokesperson said: “Many of the cases we encounter involve stolen passports and credit cards. In metro stations, avoid boarding the train near the exit/entrance to the platform, as this is often where pickpockets position themselves.
“Thieves may work in teams and a person may attempt to distract you so that an accomplice can rob you more easily.”
