M’sian Tourists Robbed Blind in Italy When 11 Suitcases Disappear From Locked Car Without Any Broken Windows
by Kyan Koh · WORLD OF BUZZFor a Malaysian family visiting Italy, their vacation turned into a nightmare after mysterious thieves wiped out every single piece of their luggage!
Taking to Threads, user @njlaimn shared a shocking caution post detailing how her friend’s family was left completely stranded with nothing but the clothes on their backs after a targeted robbery.
“Poor my friend who got robbed in Italy!! It wasn’t just pickpocketing, they were literally robbed clean and left with only the clothes on their backs! All 11 of their luggages were taken,” she wrote in her post.
Baffling theft: No broken windows or signs of forced entry
Speaking to WORLD OF BUZZ, the user revealed the most terrifying detail about the heist, there were virtually no signs of forced entry or damage to the rental vehicle.
“Unfortunately, they haven’t been able to figure out how the thieves gained access to the car without leaving any damage or signs of forced entry.
“They literally have no idea how it happened.” she told WORLD OF BUZZ.
She said that the thieves managed to cleanly swipe all 11 pieces of luggage packed inside the vehicle’s boot without triggering alarm bells or shattering glass.
To make matters even more intense, when the family attempted to track down their stolen items using an Apple iPad inside one of the bags, the location signal pinged directly back to a local camp area. The family immediately lodged an official police report at the local station to assist in investigation efforts.
Thankfully, despite losing all their belongings, the family escaped unharmed and managed to keep hold of their vital travel documents.
“Thankfully, they are safe now, and all their passports are still with them,” the user confirmed with WORLD OF BUZZ.
Crucial safety tips: How to protect yourself against keyless car thefts abroad
According to Interpol, sophisticated “signal jamming” and relay devices are becoming increasingly common among car thieves across popular European tourist destinations, meaning rental vehicles can sometimes be unlocked remotely without leaving physical marks.
Speaking with WORLD OF BUZZ, the user offered crucial advice for fellow travelers to avoid suffering a similar fate while road-tripping overseas:
“I would advise travelers to avoid leaving all their luggage and valuables in the car, especially when parking in unfamiliar areas. If possible, keep your belongings with you and never leave important documents, cash, or other valuables inside the vehicle.”
To keep your belongings secure when traveling, keep these essential safety practices in mind:
- Never Leave Bags Unattended In Vehicles: Even if you are parking for a quick 10-minute lunch stop, avoid leaving visible or stacked luggage in rental cars. Whenever possible, drop off your luggage at your hotel or accommodation first before sightseeing.
- Manually Check Door Handles: When locking keyless vehicles, always physically pull the door handle to confirm the doors are engaged, as thieves sometimes use signal blockers to prevent key fobs from locking the vehicle remotely.
- Keep Essentials On You At All Times: Keep passports, emergency cash, primary credit cards, and vital medication inside a wearable crossbody bag or neck pouch that never leaves your body.
- Enable Device Tracking & Separation Alerts: Turn on “Find My” alerts on Apple AirTags or smart trackers to receive immediate notification if a bag leaves your proximity.
Have you ever experienced travel mishaps or security scares while vacationing abroad? Share your tips and experiences in the comment section below!
Source: njlaimn | Threads
Source: kavram | 123RF