Walt Disney World housekeeper arrested for theft

[Q-man]

Walt Disney World housekeeper arrested for theft
Leah Zanolla | Posted: Aug 21, 2013 | Updated: Aug 21, 2013 - 4:26:26 PM A Walt Disney World housekeeper has been arrested for stealing from hotel guests. Disney security worked with Osceola County detectives to set up a sting operation to catch Bruna Francois, 27, in the act, after several guests complained that money was stolen from them. Detectives planted $400 in cash in a guest room safe and then set up a video surveillance of the room. The tape showed Francois getting into the safe and putting some of the money inside her cellphone case. Francois was charged with theft by a hotel employee. Osceola County sheriff's spokeswoman, Twis Lizasuain, said, "She did not cooperate with the investigation and did not admit to taking the money." Francois worked at Disney's All-Star Resorts.

http://www.wdwinfo.com/news/General_Disney_News/Walt_Disney_World_housekeeper_arrested_for_theft.htm


Interested in how she was able get into the safe.

 

[eadavis]

They probably left the key in the safe, or the door open...

 

[ParrotBill]

This was discussed during the week it happened. The safe was a key type, and Disney hasn't said if the key was left behind or if she had a duplicate or master key. Unknown and probably will never know. Good news is this is very rare at WDW.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

1) Yes, a maid was arrested.
2) Yes, she was allegedly stealing and was caught on tape.
3) But, I have a real problem with the article.
. . . there are lots of thieves
. . . there are lots of thieves at hotels
. . . if someone at Marriott is caught, you don't see an article
. . . if someone is at WDW, it almost gets front page
. . . it is the 2nd or 3rd lead episode on the local nightly news
4) I am getting really tired of such news just because it is a WDW.
5) Disney does a lot right and a lot wrong, but doesn't deserve such attention.

NOTE: I am not saying that news of thefts, accidents, injuries, etc should
not be reported, but I am disgusted a the emphasis of the report when it
happens on Disney property.

JUST MY OPINION

 

[Crazie4daMouse]

This is exactly why we never leave anything valuable unsecured. It's also why my DH insists on putting a DND on the door. We get fresh linens from housekeeping and tidy up and make beds ourselves. We do that at every hotel we have ever stayed in. While it does annoy me, I'd rather be safe than sorry.

 

[Q-man]

1) Yes, a maid was arrested.
2) Yes, she was allegedly stealing and was caught on tape.
3) But, I have a real problem with the article.
. . . there are lots of thieves
. . . there are lots of thieves at hotels
. . . if someone at Marriott is caught, you don't see an article
. . . if someone is at WDW, it almost gets front page
. . . it is the 2nd or 3rd lead episode on the local nightly news
4) I am getting really tired of such news just because it is a WDW.
5) Disney does a lot right and a lot wrong, but doesn't deserve such attention.

NOTE: I am not saying that news of thefts, accidents, injuries, etc should
not be reported, but I am disgusted a the emphasis of the report when it
happens on Disney property.

JUST MY OPINION

It wasn't an article from a general news organization, it was from this very board which is WDW specific.

 

[WDWChloe]

1) Yes, a maid was arrested.
2) Yes, she was allegedly stealing and was caught on tape.
3) But, I have a real problem with the article.
. . . there are lots of thieves
. . . there are lots of thieves at hotels
. . . if someone at Marriott is caught, you don't see an article
. . . if someone is at WDW, it almost gets front page
. . . it is the 2nd or 3rd lead episode on the local nightly news
4) I am getting really tired of such news just because it is a WDW.
5) Disney does a lot right and a lot wrong, but doesn't deserve such attention.

NOTE: I am not saying that news of thefts, accidents, injuries, etc should
not be reported, but I am disgusted a the emphasis of the report when it
happens on Disney property.

JUST MY OPINION

IMHO, Disney is known for their Cast Members' quality- honesty, kindness, etc. Maybe that's why it's highlighted more often rather than a Marriott or Hilton? Idk, maybe I'm just biased.

 

[snarlingcoyote]

There's a master key to hotel safes, and it's usually not very secure. (Can't speak to Disney, just to other hotels.)

If you want something to be secure in your hotel room from a hotel maid, bring your own locking whatever. (For example, a computer lock will set you back about $40.)

We drive to Disney, so I use the car trunk for secure things and a computer lock for our laptops left in the room. If you fly, you could use a luggage lock to secure things in your room.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

It wasn't an article from a general news organization, it was from this very board which is WDW specific.

1) Actually, it came from the Orlando Sentinel newspaper.
2) Then was the second lead on the WFTV television nighly news.

 

[Reddog1134]

1) Yes, a maid was arrested.
2) Yes, she was allegedly stealing and was caught on tape.
3) But, I have a real problem with the article.
. . . there are lots of thieves
. . . there are lots of thieves at hotels
. . . if someone at Marriott is caught, you don't see an article
. . . if someone is at WDW, it almost gets front page
. . . it is the 2nd or 3rd lead episode on the local nightly news
4) I am getting really tired of such news just because it is a WDW.
5) Disney does a lot right and a lot wrong, but doesn't deserve such attention.

NOTE: I am not saying that news of thefts, accidents, injuries, etc should
not be reported, but I am disgusted a the emphasis of the report when it
happens on Disney property.

JUST MY OPINION

I agree. It's almost like people think the "Disney bubble" is magical and they are shocked when crime manages to find it's way in.

 

[Zooshoveller]

1) Yes, a maid was arrested.
2) Yes, she was allegedly stealing and was caught on tape.
3) But, I have a real problem with the article.
. . . there are lots of thieves
. . . there are lots of thieves at hotels
. . . if someone at Marriott is caught, you don't see an article
. . . if someone is at WDW, it almost gets front page
. . . it is the 2nd or 3rd lead episode on the local nightly news
4) I am getting really tired of such news just because it is a WDW.
5) Disney does a lot right and a lot wrong, but doesn't deserve such attention.

NOTE: I am not saying that news of thefts, accidents, injuries, etc should
not be reported, but I am disgusted a the emphasis of the report when it
happens on Disney property.

JUST MY OPINION

I totally agree. DH used to work for a major hotel company. Employees were fired for stealing and it didn't even make the local news.

Disney people are regular people. Some honest, some not.

I don't take expensive items when traveling. No fancy jewelry or accessories. We don't carry a large amount of cash. No computers. The only items of value are my camera and our phones, all of which we carry with us and do not leave in the room.

 

[racefanof88]

1) Yes, a maid was arrested.
2) Yes, she was allegedly stealing and was caught on tape.
3) But, I have a real problem with the article.
. . . there are lots of thieves
. . . there are lots of thieves at hotels
. . . if someone at Marriott is caught, you don't see an article
. . . if someone is at WDW, it almost gets front page
. . . it is the 2nd or 3rd lead episode on the local nightly news
4) I am getting really tired of such news just because it is a WDW.
5) Disney does a lot right and a lot wrong, but doesn't deserve such attention.

NOTE: I am not saying that news of thefts, accidents, injuries, etc should
not be reported, but I am disgusted a the emphasis of the report when it
happens on Disney property.

JUST MY OPINION

The reason people make a big deal out of it is because it is Disney. People see the Castle and lose their minds(common sense, if they had any to begin with). They are under the false impression that it is pixies, princesses and magical talking animals all around. They forget they are in the real world where real things, good and bad, happen.

This is all evidenced by people who let their little children run free in the parks or at the resorts. I have never been anywhere that so many people turn their children loose to run wild and free in a place that is full of strangers. Numerous times I have went into a restroom and seen little girls(5,6,7 years old from their appearance) by themselves, no adult around.

 

[racefanof88]

1) Yes, a maid was arrested.
2) Yes, she was allegedly stealing and was caught on tape.
3) But, I have a real problem with the article.
. . . there are lots of thieves
. . . there are lots of thieves at hotels
. . . if someone at Marriott is caught, you don't see an article
. . . if someone is at WDW, it almost gets front page
. . . it is the 2nd or 3rd lead episode on the local nightly news
4) I am getting really tired of such news just because it is a WDW.
5) Disney does a lot right and a lot wrong, but doesn't deserve such attention.

NOTE: I am not saying that news of thefts, accidents, injuries, etc should
not be reported, but I am disgusted a the emphasis of the report when it
happens on Disney property.

JUST MY OPINION

The reason people make a big deal out of it is because it is Disney. People see the Castle and lose their minds(common sense, if they had any to begin with). They are under the false impression that it is pixies, princesses and magical talking animals all around. They forget they are in the real world where real things, good and bad, happen.

This is all evidenced by people who let their little children run free in the parks or at the resorts. I have never been anywhere that so many people turn their children loose to run wild and free in a place that is full of strangers. Numerous times I have went into a restroom and seen little girls(5,6,7 years old from their appearance) by themselves, no adult around.

 

[chelliebelle4]

This is exactly why we never leave anything valuable unsecured. It's also why my DH insists on putting a DND on the door. We get fresh linens from housekeeping and tidy up and make beds ourselves. We do that at every hotel we have ever stayed in. While it does annoy me, I'd rather be safe than sorry.

Do you just ask housekeeping for them? What do u do with the "used" bedding items? Thanks!

 

[eadavis]

Do you just ask housekeeping for them? What do u do with the "used" bedding items? Thanks!

The housekeeping staff there is 24/7. Call for them to deliver new items when you return from the parks each night.

 

[AndreaA]

The reason people make a big deal out of it is because it is Disney. People see the Castle and lose their minds(common sense, if they had any to begin with). They are under the false impression that it is pixies, princesses and magical talking animals all around. They forget they are in the real world where real things, good and bad, happen.

Exactly, and if the news articles keep someone else from being robbed, then they've done their job. Let's face it; Disney is not your average Marriott. Frankly with the prices they are charging, they deserve the extra scrutiny.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

The housekeeping staff there is 24/7. . .

1) It used to be that Front Desk CM's delivered bedding & supplies after 10:00pm.
2) Now, all resorts have at least one Housekeeping person to deliver such.
. . . bedding, sheets, spreads
. . . towels, wasrags, hand soap
. . . coffee/tea, and coffee/tea supplies
. . . kitchen soap and washing machine soap (for DVC resorts, only)
. . . cribs (for resorts that still have them), pak-and-play
. . . other Housekeeping items

 

[eadavis]

1) It used to be that Front Desk CM's delivered bedding & supplies after 10:00pm. 2) Now, all resorts have at least one Housekeeping person to deliver such. . . . bedding, sheets, spreads . . . towels, wasrags, hand soap . . . coffee/tea, and coffee/tea supplies . . . kitchen soap and washing machine soap (for DVC resorts, only) . . . cribs (for resorts that still have them), pak-and-play . . . other Housekeeping items

AM housekeeping shift: 800-1630
PM housekeeping shift: 1500-0030
3rd Shift Housekeeping: 0000-0830

PM and 3rd shift mostly handle deliveries as the staffing is significantly lower than the primary AM shift. However, they can service the room upon guest request

 

[Robbi]

I saw a woman freaking out at one of the attractions. Her very expensive camera had been stolen. She was screaming, "But this is Disney World, this isn't supposed to happen here.". Umm, goofy, bad people know that there are people like you who believe the Disney turnstyles really do bring them to Fantasyland-easy pickings.