Theft at Disney

[hollywoodpc]

Do not leave your personal belongings out of your site . Ever . It is one thing if things are stolen from a locked room . But , to leave things out in the open without you watching is just a very poor decision . Sadly , as others have posted , there are folks that get onto the property that do not belong . On a vacation at a place where so many people are , think about your actions before doing any thing else .

 

[Captain's Wife]

Thank you to all for your expressions of concern. I think, for so many of us, it's very hard to wrap our heads around the idea that someone could believe that it's ok to take something that doesn't belong to them. To put it simply - we would never do that, so it's hard to remember sometimes that there are people who would.

Just to be clear, because a few responses made me wince a little; my daughter is a young adult, but not a foolish one. She's travelled to 12 different countries as a Disney cast member, worked in the parks, lived on her own in major cities and taken very good care of herself while encountering all kinds of different people. She just forgets sometimes that not all people consider "making magic" to be their mission in life.

And it didn't stop us from making our own magic, even AFTER this. My younger daughter had brought along her very large stuffed Minnie Mouse, that she bought with her own money several years ago, with the express purpose of giving it away. I believe she made a very adorable 2 year old very happy when she handed it over out of the blue.

And I had picked up a free collapsible umbrella stroller from a swap site at home specifically for our trip, as my 4 year old nephew no longer uses one at home. As we waited for Magical Express to pick us up for the trip home, I approached a couple in the check-in line who had a little one hanging on their leg, and asked if they had brought along their own stroller. They had not, so I gave them ours to keep.

Someone on here has a sig line which says "Don't let yesterday take up to much of today." I think that's a pretty good motto to have.

Thanks again for the compassion.

 

[ironz]

So sorry that happened.

BUT...if this was a matter of THEFT, and not ROBBERY--which implies that the person doing the stealing actually took the items directly from your daughter with the use of force or intimidation...can you maybe change the thread title? The way it is written implies that there was a confrontation, which is way more scary than someone taking a camera and other belongings off of an unattended ECV.

thanks.

 

[tink_lover]

I really, really hate to post this, but it IS foolish to leave things unattended ANYWHERE. It's unfortunate, really. I'm sorry for what your family lost while on vacation. A reminder to all of us to watch everything at all times - or lock it up!

 

[sdzman]

The title of this post is misleading. A robbery occurs when something is forcibly taken from your person usually in a threatening manner. Leaving something unattended and having it taken is more like a theft.

 

[kinggoofy]

The title of this post is misleading. A robbery occurs when something is forcibly taken from your person usually in a threatening manner. Leaving something unattended and having it taken is more like a theft.

Okay guys..c'mon...theft / robbery..i think we kinda get the drift what the OP was going through.

I dont think we need this thread to turn into a "im a know it all thread" for those who what to make sure they prove to others the difference between a robbery and a theft.

The bottom line is..the OP is trying to make everyone aware that bad things happen at WDW and we should never let our gaurd down.

Save the dictionary meanings of the words theft and robbery for the Websters message boards.

OP....IMO, you dont need to change anything just because a few people on here need to prove a point about a meaning of a word.

I get what you are saying and I appreciate you sharing it with us to make us more aware while at WDW.

KG

 

[LisaTC]

Okay guys..c'mon...theft / robbery..i think we kinda get the drift what the OP was going through.

I dont think we need this thread to turn into a "im a know it all thread" for those who what to make sure they prove to others the difference between a robbery and a theft.

The bottom line is..the OP is trying to make everyone aware that bad things happen at WDW and we should never let our gaurd down.

Save the dictionary meanings of the words theft and robbery for the Websters message boards.

OP....IMO, you dont need to change anything just because a few people on here need to prove a point about a meaning of a word.

I get what you are saying and I appreciate you sharing it with us to make us more aware while at WDW.

KG

Finally, the voice of reason. The OP knows the error in judgment. Unfortunate. She seems to be sharing a reminder, simple as that. There's not a one of us who hasn't made a simple mistake thinking it wouldn't result in a severe consequence. Live and learn seems to be the msg of her thread. You just never know what will happen. I don't take my wedding/engagement rings on vacation. I wear a cheapy band and take one pr of earrings. People you don't know can't be trusted in this day and age. It's the world we live in. Thanks for sharing, sorry you lost the camera. I'd download to facebook or a photo site like webshots or pbase daily. So sweet your daughter gave away the stuffed toy and you the stroller. Don't change who you are because somebody else has no qualms about stealing.

 

[ironz]

Okay guys..c'mon...theft / robbery..i think we kinda get the drift what the OP was going through.

I dont think we need this thread to turn into a "im a know it all thread" for those who what to make sure they prove to others the difference between a robbery and a theft.

The bottom line is..the OP is trying to make everyone aware that bad things happen at WDW and we should never let our gaurd down.

Save the dictionary meanings of the words theft and robbery for the Websters message boards.

OP....IMO, you dont need to change anything just because a few people on here need to prove a point about a meaning of a word.

I get what you are saying and I appreciate you sharing it with us to make us more aware while at WDW.

KG

No...it DOES make a difference. I saw the title of the thread, and took it for the actual meaning of the word, and thought 'OMG! Someone was threatened at gunpoint at a resort!!!" HUGE difference. Having the word Robbery in the title is terribly misleading and scary.

 

[Peri]

peace

 

[goofy4tink]

I did in fact see police in the lobby of Pop as well as walking around the 80s/90s buildings on Tuesday of last week.


Thank you. I have stayed at the value resorts many times. The All Stars, particularly, are very close to high crime areas in Kissimmee and I have witnessed many times people at those resorts that are not guests.

It seems like everyone out here is looking for motives to spread hatred sometimes.

Well, you did state, in another thread, that if you stayed at a value, you get what you deserve. It's out there, for all to see.

I have stayed at value resorts, many times. I have never felt that I was unsafe there. I have never had anything stolen. One would think that if a thief wanted really high end stuff, they would head to the deluxes. After all...it's just as easy to hang out in the hallways there, looking for unattended ECVs...I see them all the time.

There are dishonest people everywhere. Unfortunately, when we are in WDW, we tend to forget this....we are in our 'happy place' and forget all those not so nice people out there...just waiting for us to let our guard down, just for a minute. I can never believe the stuff that people leave in their strollers and ECVs. They may just as well hang a sign alerting thieves to their stuff. But, everyone thinks that all those other 'guests' are there to have a wonderful vacation...and they aren't.

 

[DisneyBride'03]

Okay guys..c'mon...theft / robbery..i think we kinda get the drift what the OP was going through.

I dont think we need this thread to turn into a "im a know it all thread" for those who what to make sure they prove to others the difference between a robbery and a theft.

The bottom line is..the OP is trying to make everyone aware that bad things happen at WDW and we should never let our gaurd down.

Save the dictionary meanings of the words theft and robbery for the Websters message boards.

OP....IMO, you dont need to change anything just because a few people on here need to prove a point about a meaning of a word.

I get what you are saying and I appreciate you sharing it with us to make us more aware while at WDW.

KG

What the king said....robbed...theft....stolen....still same result...they do not have their belongings anymore

Well, you did state, in another thread, that if you stayed at a value, you get what you deserve. It's out there, for all to see.

I have stayed at value resorts, many times. I have never felt that I was unsafe there. I have never had anything stolen. One would think that if a thief wanted really high end stuff, they would head to the deluxes. After all...it's just as easy to hang out in the hallways there, looking for unattended ECVs...I see them all the time.

There are dishonest people everywhere. Unfortunately, when we are in WDW, we tend to forget this....we are in our 'happy place' and forget all those not so nice people out there...just waiting for us to let our guard down, just for a minute. I can never believe the stuff that people leave in their strollers and ECVs. They may just as well hang a sign alerting thieves to their stuff. But, everyone thinks that all those other 'guests' are there to have a wonderful vacation...and they aren't.

I also agree...well then wouldnt people with bad intent go to the DELUXE resorts...of course the guests with more valuables and money STAY there as opposed to a VALUE...

 

[goofyintoronto]

Very sorry this happened. However, things of value cannot be left out of sight for even a minute. She could have grabbed the bag when she made her way inside the room. This is not just at WDW. My mom had her wallet stolen out of her purse, that she kept in a shopping cart at the grocery store, while she was getting something off the shelf. This happened to mom TWO TIMES. And it was in the 1990s, and in the "safe" suburbs. So not a new trend here.

This is an unfortunate, but lifelong lesson for your daughter, that as an adult she carries valuables now, not mommy and daddy anymore, and these valuables have to become like a second skin to her. That's why lots of people like a fanny pack or a mini-camera bag with neck strap, or ID/valuables lanyard around the neck, or pockets of some cargo pants. If you have your valuables in a bag, that bag must accompany you even if "for a minute." If your purse is in a cart, have your hand on the purse when you look over goods on the shelf, or take the purse with you if you are walking away from your cart.

Again, my heartfelt regrets.>>>very well said. Sad that it happened, but what do you expect when you leave something out in the open unattended? I made the same mistake. Left my purse at the gas station, came back literally 5 min later and it was gone. I totally admit I was careless. Very absent minded sometimes. A month ago I left my BB at a counter at a mall. Came back 5 min later again, and it was gone. I only have my self to blame. But I am disgusted that there are very few honest ppl left in the world. I even had the GPS tracking app loaded on my BB, but that didnt help. Esp if the person takes out the sim card or is in a mall. I even had the message displayed on the screen "if found call ___". Again, didnt help. My car was broken into shortly after i lost my purse, but i was more angry about the ppl who didnt return my stuff after i had left it unattended, rather than the ppl who robbed my car. At least the robbers knew what they were after and got it. The ppl who found my stuff had the opportunity to do the right thing, but they didnt.

I don't understand why a camera was left in an ECV unattended. Theft can happen anywhere.

It was wrong that it was stolen but more care should have been taken with your personal effects. >>>so true.

I'm sorry if I jumped to a wrong conclusion. But you must admit, that given your rather strong comments on the other thread about value resorts, that it was an easy jump to make. I went and re-read those posts, and you said that that bad service was what that poster got for staying at a value resort, and that they were lucky their purse wasn't stolen. Doesn't sound like someone who likes the value resorts overmuch. I figured you were here for another round of value resort bashing.>>>im so sick of value bashing. I love the values and never had a prob there! I even leave my ipod out on the dresser in our room (while charging) while we are in the parks and nothing ever happened to it. Mind you I never bring valuables with me to the pool. Only my room card/money attached to me with those waterproof cases. And I do use the safe for money & passports.

I did in fact see police in the lobby of Pop as well as walking around the 80s/90s buildings on Tuesday of last week.>>>I was at pop during that time. Interesting. I didnt see anything suspicious? Then again we were in the parks all day. Lol!

 

[goofyintoronto]

No...it DOES make a difference. I saw the title of the thread, and took it for the actual meaning of the word, and thought 'OMG! Someone was threatened at gunpoint at a resort!!!" HUGE difference. Having the word Robbery in the title is terribly misleading and scary.

I agree ....robbery & theft are two different things. robbery is definitely more freightening. I was also alarmed when I saw the subject. lol

 

[LilyWDW]

No...it DOES make a difference. I saw the title of the thread, and took it for the actual meaning of the word, and thought 'OMG! Someone was threatened at gunpoint at a resort!!!" HUGE difference. Having the word Robbery in the title is terribly misleading and scary.

Agreed.

For people who understand the meaning of the words, it is a HUGE difference. A robbery on property would make me more afraid then a simple theft. Theft happens a lot more often then a robbery...

 

[kinggoofy]

this is directly from a google search....

In brief:

• Theft and robbery are similar kinds of crimes where the criminal takes away property of others

• Theft is conducted in stealth whereas robber makes use of violence or threatens to use violence to conduct his operations.



Read more: http://www.differencebetween.com/difference-between-theft-and-vs-robbery/#ixzz1WXcjyeM9

May I compliment those "few" of you who wish to drive home the point that there are differences in the two....you are correct.

However, if any of you are still going to keep hounding the OP as to why the thread was titled the way it was.......GET REAL !!!!!!!

The OP was trying to make us aware of what happened to their family and by posting this thread.

IF THIS THREAD HELPS JUST ONE PERSON OR FAMILY...THEN THIS THREAD IS A SUCCESS. ....WHETHER OR NOT ITS TITLED ROBBERY OR THEFT.

Seriously people, get a grip.

 

[brunette8706]

this is directly from a google search....

In brief:

• Theft and robbery are similar kinds of crimes where the criminal takes away property of others

• Theft is conducted in stealth whereas robber makes use of violence or threatens to use violence to conduct his operations.



Read more: http://www.differencebetween.com/difference-between-theft-and-vs-robbery/#ixzz1WXcjyeM9

May I compliment those "few" of you who wish to drive home the point that there are differences in the two....you are correct.

However, if any of you are still going to keep hounding the OP as to why the thread was titled the way it was.......GET REAL !!!!!!!

The OP was trying to make us aware of what happened to their family and by posting this thread.

IF THIS THREAD HELPS JUST ONE PERSON OR FAMILY...THEN THIS THREAD IS A SUCCESS. ....WHETHER OR NOT ITS TITLED ROBBERY OR THEFT.

Seriously people, get a grip.

*
I agree! GEEZ, the OP was trying to give us inportant information about his experience. I'm glad the OP started this thread. To be honest I have never heard of the pizza fliers either. I can't believe the rational of these THIEVES!!! How low can one go?

Brunette

 

[LSchrow]

sadly, the pizza/CC thieves will sometimes rent a room just for the purpose of having easy access (we were told this by FD CMs and managers). the pools are another sweet spot for thieves - many ppl leave items unattended as they swim (my mom had her cover-up taken. they must've assumed she had a wallet, etc in it, but yea for the over 80's crew - all they got besides the robe was a dirty tissue in the pocket ).
we've often seen cameras, merchandise, etc, left in strollers while ppl are in a restaurant or on a ride. WDW does have plainclothes security, but they can't be everywhere at once - and people do have their items stolen in the parks.
remember when merchandise in the shops didn't have sensors, the decor at attractions and in resorts weren't bolted down ......
OP, i am sorry to hear about your daughter. we have all done something that could have put us in a similar position at least once in our lives - hopefully, by taking the time to post your experience, at least one person will think twice before letting their guard down.
hope your trip was magical in every other way

 

[sdzman]

Sorry, but the title is a big deal to me.

A robbery is an act of violence while theft is a crime of opportunity. There is a VERY BIG DIFFERENCE.

There are virtually no populated places in the world where valuables left out of sight are safe.

 

[cassie]

I wonder what resort the OP was at? She's not telling...

 

[DisneyBride'03]

OP, thanks for sharing our story.....I am sure you enlightened some people and reminded many to stay cautious.....rob, steal, cheat.......

Have fun guys......