20/04/2000 00:00
TW
0

Dear Sir, Now that the tourist season is getting underway with the onset of Easter, your readers should be warned of the parasites that feed off them.
On Sunday 16th April at about mid-day, I was sitting at a pavement cafe in Santa Ponsa with a lady friend.
The cafe and the street were busy and we remarked on the noticeable recent increase in tourist numbers.
A personable young man of about 30 leaned over us and began talking in French, producing a leaflet at the same time for our attention.
He seemed to be asking about French restaurants.
While attempting to converse with him, I looked up just in time to see his partner in crime, an equally personable looking young man of about 30, in the act of filching my companion's handbag from under her feet.

At my shout he made some excuse and both men withdrew and walked (did not run) off.
Unfortunately no guardian of the law was readily available and the would-be thieves made their escape.
The moral of the story is to keep your personal belongings very secure, keep your wits about you, and be aware that villains are not always instantly recognisable as such and can look the part of decent citizens.

R. M. Gilbert
Santa Ponsa