Theft- Please be Aware

[Eyore4Ever149]

Hi Dis Folks,

It's been several months since my trip (October) but we had something unfortunate happen to us that I hope if I share, you can avoid.

1st You should know that theft from vehicles at Disney Parks is not common and the safety patrol does a great job.

While visiting Typhoon Lagoon our rental vehicle was broken into. We had a Garmin Nuvi.
We had taken the time to remove it from the dashboard, we did not use suction cups, so there were no marks.
Basically the police said what happens is they watch you park and leave your vehicle, wait and then walk up and look in. The key is they watch you.

They are typically looking for techie stuff like GPSs, handhelds, radar, etc, small, easy to steal and easy to resell.

You should also know, we did not opt for the car insurance- and we found that our credit card used to rent the car was coverage enough.

Please take these small items with you when entering a park for the day. Or leave them in your safe at the room. Dont leave them tucked under a seat, or anywhere that is accessible. They are often watching to see what you do with these items, so they know where to get in quickly.

As a kudos to TL, the whole world seemed to show up once the notification was sent out (about a 30 min wait). Police came (good to have a report on file) the TL security came. General Manager's came with bottled water since DH and I had to wiat with the vehicle outdoors for a couple hours. Im certain they would have brought anything else had we needed it. They also sent 3 or 4 maintence people to clean and vacuum our car out (which took a long time because of all the shattered glass). They were very helpful.

 

[mickiecake]

I'm so sorry that happened to you, and on vacation, too! Thanks for the info!

 

[fairfax]

Wow, that's scary! That is a good tip, thanks.

 

[Lorelai]

I am also very sorry to hear that this unfortunate incident happened to you. It stinks to have the magic of Disney infiltrated by random everyday ugliness. I am glad that Disney stepped up and did what they could. And I hope that the rest of your trip was magical...in all good ways! Thank you for sharing and the good advice.

 

[fla4fun]

I would agree that if you are going anywhere by car, that you stash the valuables in the hotel safe before going, or if you need them in the car (like a nav system) that you stash it as soon as you can see your destination, so you are not seen trying to hide your valuables at the last minute.

For example, when I am going to stop and fill my car with gasoline on the way home from work, I get the money out when I get in the car, and put my handbag out of sight then, not when I get to the station. That way I can just pull in, pay, pump, and be on my way appearing to have nothing of value with me. I do the same going to the grocery or anyplace where I will be out of sight of my car for any length of time. Most of the car burglaries here are crimes of opportunity, and I don't intend to give them the opportunity.

Just as an aside, for anyone who might be stopping at a shopping center to go to the grocery, there was a news report on last evening regarding the increased number of car burglaries in shopping centers that contain a gym/fitness center, because so many people leave their wallet or handbag in the vehicle instead of taking it into the gym (trying to avoid a theft inside the gym). If you notice the shopping center you are in has a gym/fitness center, you may want to park away from it, just in case.

 

[myprincessgirlisa]

thats terrible!!!!

just an fyi too

this happened at six flags, but it could happen at WDW too

strollers & bags!!!

i saw a young boy around 12 scouting strollers one year....we watched him & he was looking for something easy to grab...luckily he saw me watching him & took off & i informed sceruity, but i cant TELL you how many people left stuff in their strollers!!
Dont find out the hard way people!!!
its not worth ruining your trip

 

[GinnyFavers]

Resorts and theme parks all have gated entries to their parking lots, but the water parks and Downtown Disney do not.

I would imagine those are places to be extra cautious.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

For example, when I am going to stop and fill my car with gasoline on the way home from work, I get the money out when I get in the car, and put my handbag out of sight then, not when I get to the station.

1) We don't use cash at gas stations in/near Orlando.
2) We always use a credit card and pay-at-the-pump.
3) This way, we do not stray from the car.
4) If we are alone, we make sure the passenger door is locked while at the pump.
5) This stops a thief from a quick "open-the-door-and-snatch" robbery.

 

[SnackyStacky]

Good advice! Because this deals with rentals, I'm going to copy (not move - but copy ) this onto the Transportation board. Hopefully your unfortunate experience can help some other folks prevent the same thing.

 

[I'mNoPrince]

This is also very true at home as well going to the mall.

Both DW and myself just picked up a GPS and the 1st thing I told her was pull it down before she turns into the lot. At home no big deal as we bring them in with us.

They right now are the most desirable thing for theives to get. They are small non-tracable (for use I understand you can register them) and reall need no attachments to use. Oh and expensive and very much in demand right now.

 

[*Disney_Wishes*]

I'm really sorry to hear that you're rental car was broken into. It's just such a shame that 'those people' would take advantage of those who are trying to have an enjoyable vacation.
Again, im really sorry.

 

[Eyore4Ever149]

I cant even begin to describe our shock, we had had a great 2-3 hours at Taphoon, but since we had our 17 month old with us we decided we needed to head back. My DH went to get the car, allowing Grandma and me to wait with baby...after waiting for what seemed like forever I saw him walking back towards us- which seemed odd since I thought he would be driving up to us. He had this unusual look on his face. When he told me the window was smashed and the new Nuvi was gone my heart sunk.

I am thankful so one was harmed.

 

[IndyDisneyFan]

Thank you so much for sharing your story. I too am sorry that someone did that to your family. My DH just got a GPS for Christmas and will be taking it with us when we travel. I will tell him to be careful and we will be taking it with us whenever we leave the car! I have started locking up my car while pumping gas after several women have had their purses stolen while they are right there at their cars! They open the opposite door, reach in, and take it while women are watching the pump. You can just never be too careful.

Laura

 

[TwoRoos]

I'm so sorry that happened to your family. It's nice to read that the Disney staff were so nice and helpful to you. We, too, had a parking lot incident (although not nearly as bad as yours), and the CMs were so helpful. We had a dead battery on our rental car late one night after a looooooong day in the park, and a security CM helped my dh jump it. He came so fast and was so nice. In no time our car was fixed and we were on our way.

 

[Muushka]

You know what else people do?

I can't tell you how many people that have ridden in my car will leave their purse on the seat, thinking that as long as the car is locked, their stuff will be fine.

Many years ago my friend borrowed my car. She lost the $200 in her purse and I lost the $300 it took to repair the window that they broke to steal the purse. Never again!