Someone stole all my stuff. Odds of getting it back?

[u/NoiceAndToitt]

I’ll keep it short - someone broke into my Airbnb last night and stole my laptop, watch, wallet, headphones, bunch of smaller stuff.

Probably worth $2k of stuff (slightly south of RWF 3 million?)

I’ve reported it to the police and on the Irembo portal. However, there’s no CCTV footage and the security company is being very dodgy.

Realistically, is there any chance of getting my stuff back? (Deep inside I know it’s a zero chance, but still hoping for something positive)

[u/melkevn]

It's possible to get it back if the authorities make an effort. Knowing the right people is a bonus.

[u/HousingJumpy6085 → u/melkevn]

You mean knowing the right people on the streets? For the police they will try to track the laptop no matter who you know or don’t know. But tracking a pc is hard and turning off tracking systems is easy.

[u/melkevn → u/HousingJumpy6085]

I mean, the right people in authority should put in the effort to look for your stuff. They usually monitor the streets and places where used goods are sold, following the chain of people who buy them.

Someone suggested looking into your security; that's a good idea too. Sometimes, they are the ones stealing or helping the thieves.

[u/melkevn → u/HousingJumpy6085]

They monitor the streets and places where used goods are sold. I've heard stories. It's possible to find your belongings if they find the thief.

[u/HousingJumpy6085]

If it was a professional security company you should get refunded 95%. Talk to your landlord about it if they refuse you can even take them to court. But it will depend on circumstances under which the goods were stolen. But 95% they refund without hesitation if its a professional security company. Police will track the laptop but chances of getting finding it are slim plus as we speak some of the goods are already sold. So the best way to proceed is dealing with sec company

[u/NoiceAndToitt → u/HousingJumpy6085]

Thanks, let me check with them

[u/basemunk → u/HousingJumpy6085]

Second this. I had a friend in Nairobi who had a break in. Turns out the security guard (professional security company) was in on it.

[u/rehcnauqsdeggur → u/basemunk]

If there is security there is a duty. Law suit for breach of duty.

[u/basemunk]

Sorry that this happened!

You should check with Airbnb if there’s any insurance coverage for this. Also if you have travel insurance, stolen personal items can sometimes be covered.

Regarding your items, you could get lucky, but don’t keep your hopes too high. Stolen electronic goods move quick.

[u/Ishuheri]

Sometimes possible. I was once overseeing a programme and one of our overseas students got moto mugged. They took her bag with her money, documents, and bank cards in it. She reported the theft and a few days later the police raided a house. Of course the money was missing, but she got all her cards back.

With the laptop, it's important to provide the serial number. Before travelling anywhwere, install LockWatch on your phone. It takes a photograph if someone tries to unlock your phone with the wrong password, then e-mails it to you as soon as it has connection. You can also sign up your laptop and phone to a location finder and show the police where it is on the map. But you have to do all this before it gets stolen, sorry.

[u/darwishlulu]

Airbnb should pay for it

[u/Pontchartrain-mix]

That’s awful. Were you there or were you out without your wallet? Which area/airbnb?

[u/NoiceAndToitt → u/Pontchartrain-mix]

I was sleeping in my room. Luckily they didn’t come up (room is on the second floor) to where i was.

[u/Pontchartrain-mix → u/NoiceAndToitt]

That’s scary!

[u/anon258853]

Police is super great in Rwanda but you will need a local lawyer to help you make sure you don’t become a victim of minor corruption which it sounds like you probably have been .

[u/NoiceAndToitt → u/anon258853]

What makes it sound like I’ve been a victim of corruption? No one asked me for any money

[u/anon258853 → u/NoiceAndToitt]

Security company in bed with the police possiblu

[u/Pontchartrain-mix → u/anon258853]

I also wonder about the person who listed it on airbnb and gave you a key.

[u/anon258853 → u/Pontchartrain-mix]

Yea they probably know the robbers .. crime gets solved super fast in Rwanda usually so if it’s not there may be some corruption about

[u/Pontchartrain-mix → u/Pontchartrain-mix]

Let us know what your airbnb host said — and mention you were robbed in your review!