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ROBBERY like lightening does strike twice
Entry 16 of 26 | show all | print this entry |
Is it that Vera and I are natural targets here in Bolivia? After several unfulfilled promises of replacement tickets, reserved seats, compensation for the extra costs involved in staying an extra night in La Paz we had to buy our tickets to Sucre on a second rate service with the original bus company TRANSCOPACABANA IM:E:M:
Was it by chance that this company allowed robbers onto the bus? Perhaps it was coincidence but I find it hard to accept that as paying passengers we have to show our tickets to get onto the bus or even onto the platform yet complete strangers board without tickets, identification or even reason beyond that of theft. How come the driver and codriver seem to recognize all the paying passengers yet somehow turn a blind eye to others boarding right past them?
We have suffered two thefts on two occasions within 24 hours, both similar robberies, both on supposedly secure buses, both by opportunist thieves.
The first theft I have already described in my last blog, the second happened last night at eight fifteen PM.We had boarded our bus being extremely cautious of other people on board and hanging tightly onto all our possessions, as the bus pulled out we began to relax and after about half an hour were felling safe.A SIILy THINGTO DO.
The bus pulled to a halt and further passengers climbed aboard, Vera and I held tight to our lap luggage knowing that our backpacks were tucked safely beneath our seats. Three men were among the boarders, one immediately leaned right across the two of us and started to bang the window as if trying to attract someone outside the bus, we both objected strongly all the while holding tightly to our pockets and lap luggage. Suddenly the man backed off the second man stepped back and the third squeezed past him and they all walked off the bus.
It so happened that I had spotted a fairly new large shiny black four wheel drive car parked on the opposite side of the road, (it was so similar to my own smaller version of the Pajero), behind it was a smaller car that was also rather good compared to the usual La Paz vehicles. As I watched two of the men climbed into the first car and the third jumped into the second, the second car pulled out sharply blocking the flow of traffic, paused to let the Pajero type car in and they both drove off. I can describe and would recognize two of the men
Vera soon realised that her backpack had disappeared from beneath her seat, regretfully it contained her credit cards, money, camera, electronic dictionary, some gifts, some personal belongings, souvenirs, diary, photograph disk and medicines among other things. We called for the police to come, we were told there were no police, we shouted some more and insisted that the bus waited, the driver said "no police available". eventually after about twenty minutes two arrived. they told us we could either return to La Paz by our own means or report the matter to the Sucre police when we arrived in the morning and recommended the we carry on with our journey.
Guess what. The Sucre police took all the details of our loss but were in no way interested in the fact that we had details of the thieves, "La Paz police" they told us, "Not a matter for Sucre police, different region"
I would guess that tonight the three thieves will be waiting in their two cars for the next night bus to Sucre, some driver will forget to see their non-existent tickets and some tourist will be robbed
Latest Comments (2)
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collusion (reply)
Mar 3, 2008 08:01 EST by nilzi
how miserable for you darlings, especially after walking away from the last theft with a sense of support and kindness from the police. This bus company's collusion must be really frustrating. When you reach a position of being able to report it fully to the owners/management, I suggest you do - keep notes, do drawings, so all is fresh in your mind. And that activity may help remove your frustrati... show all
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Greedy criminals (reply)
Feb 29, 2008 23:51 EST by sradley17
I really feel for you guys. knowing you personally, what kind and generous people you are, I know you wouldn't hesitate to give to the truly needy. That's what makes my blood boil. These second lot of thieves were clearly not in need of your belongings, not merely desperate opportunists, but greedy criminals, and the police don't sound much better. Thank goodness you are both ok (ie. unharmed). I ... show all
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| 16. | ROBBERY like lightening does strike twice - Sucre, Bolivia Feb 29, 2008 (  2 ) |
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