After spending a lovely evening watching the Three Kings enter the Balcon de Europa, we decided to make our way home. Paid our bill and waited until the streets had cleared a little then left on our way through the narrow streets leading back to the Torrecilla area. Upon entering Plaza de Cavana we were approached by young woman (and neither of us had seen her approach), had flowers thrust into our hands with a demand for a few cents – within seconds four of these girls surrounded us; two asking me for money (I was not carrying any at the time) and two trying to get into my daughter´s purse and bag. This is the first time we have experienced anything like this in Nerja; not unfortunately the first time someone has stolen from my daughter whilst living in Spain.

Normally we are street wise, but we were both distracted, most certainly a stupid thing to do at this time of night. Luckily an English man approached very quickly and told us not to give them money and explained they were thieves; the “flower girls” disappeared as quickly as they had appeared and having thanked the couple who helped us, we made our way home without incident. Apparently they approach people who are distracted, often women on their own who, like me, are vulnerable.

These women are often at the local markets and were well known in the area; though I am sure there is more than one “gang”.

If you are visiting Nerja (or in fact any other tourist resort in Spain), be aware that there are pick pockets and other thieves in the area. One person was robbed twice during their eleven day holiday but many visitors enjoy their time here without experiencing problems.

We have become complacent since living in an inland village, carrying a bag when we go out, keeping our money and cards in one purse and so on. Had we followed our own rules, this incident would not have occurred.

Tips
- do not carry a bag (quite common for someone on a scooter to snatch your bag and sometimes your jewellery out of your ears or off your neck/wrist).
- carry valuables, including passport, driving licence, credit/banks cards and cash separately –  best carried in a body belt or in hidden pockets on the inside of your clothes. IMHO bum bags are easily removed, especially when worn so they are actually facing backwards.
- take only the money you need for the night out and not all in one purse or wallet or by one person in the group – divide it up – putting it under the baby in a push chair is not a good idea!
- if you go to an ATM to withdraw money, have someone with you who constantly watches your back, and anyone who is too close. We find it best to actually go to the bank during opening hours, it is much safer; and to put the money away before leaving without allow anyone to see where the money is kept.
- be aware – watch for people following you either on foot or on a scooter; it may be innocent, but be aware anyway.
- “No” is the same in Spanish as in English, with just a shorter vowel – so say it loudly, show confidence and get rid of them. I have considered carrying a pepper spray, but am unsure whether this is legal.
- for personal safety, women alone should not walk up an unlit quiet street.

All this we “forgot”. So the most important tip – be aware and do not “day dream” when out; do not allow yourselves to become distracted and do not advertise your “wealth” by wearing so much jewellery you look like a “Christmas Tree”.