Outrage in Council Bluffs

sailaway21 · #1 (**permalink**) 02-03-2008

Our friend Alex, from Portugal, had his room burgled last evening while he slept. He was staying at the Holiday Inn-Casino in Council Bluffs and while the police response was all he could hope for, the response of hotel security was on a level equivalent to, so what do you want out of us?

His computer, with all of his work product, as well as his other valuables were all stolen.

I am extremely outraged that such a thing should happen to someone visiting our country and it seems that the only people who are not of similar feelings are the Holiday Inn-Casino in Council Bluffs. Make your lodging plans accordingly.

Further bad news is that all of Alex's sailing videos, photos, and family pictures were on that computer. Some are backed up elsewhere but the sailing videos and much else sailing related is lost. His loss and our's, I might add.

camaraderie · #2 (**permalink**) 02-03-2008

I too am outraged...not so much by the theft...which can happen anywhere, but by the attitude and lack of helpful concern for what has happened by Holiday Inn/Casino. Once we have the full details from Alex...I suggest we individually make a stink with the HI NATIONAL management and with the local newspaper.
How does someone soundlessly get in a hotel room? Inside job??

sailaway21 · #3 (**permalink**) 02-03-2008

He's sad to say the least. He's feeling violated, as everyone does when such happens to them. He was impressed with the response of the local police. I think that the hotel management learned a few words in Portugese that are not considered polite.

artbyjody · #4 (**permalink**) 02-03-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by camaraderie

I too am outraged...not so much by the theft...which can happen anywhere, but by the attitude and lack of helpful concern for what has happened by Holiday Inn/Casino. Once we have the full details from Alex...I suggest we individually make a stink with the HI NATIONAL management and with the local newspaper.
How does someone soundlessly get in a hotel room? Inside job??

Alex should know even though it is a Holiday Inn, it is a Casino as well and they have cameras on every floor...while probably not as 'made for tv' as what "Las Vegas" likes us to believe.... He should be rather persistent - perhaps a call to a consul would assist in having the hotel security be more - co-operative...

sailaway21 · #5 (**permalink**) 02-03-2008

Due to international travel requirements, specifically Portugese/US Customs, alex has the serial numbers of his watch and computer written down and available. The police informed him that, with this information in their hands, the recovery rate for such items rises into the 90th percentile.

He noted also that the local police cared little whether he had a valid work permit, visa, or anything else that indicated he was in the country legally. Without being too hard on the local cops, I suspect that most illegals do not call the cops in similar situations. Given the nature of the engineering work that Alex is involved in it would be little surprise if law enforcement of the type that wears suits does not take a personal interest in the matter.

teshannon · #6 (**permalink**) 02-03-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by camaraderie

I too am outraged...not so much by the theft...which can happen anywhere, but by the attitude and lack of helpful concern for what has happened by Holiday Inn/Casino. Once we have the full details from Alex...I suggest we individually make a stink with the HI NATIONAL management and with the local newspaper.
How does someone soundlessly get in a hotel room? Inside job??

I for one will be sure to do that!!

bestfriend · #7 (**permalink**) 02-03-2008

Hey G, very sorry to hear that, as Sway said, "another black eye for America". I tried to call you at the plant, but you were gone. Talk to you later.

Chaunclm · #8 (**permalink**) 02-03-2008

One of the pleasures of reading this blog is the great humor you guys and gals banter back and forth. Gui is one of the leaders and a real whiz with Photoshop. It upsets me no end that these kinds of things happen. I feel personally guilty that it happened to our friend.

Too bad that Holiday Inn made the situation worse by being Sh#ts.

JohnRPollard · #9 (**permalink**) 02-03-2008

Giulietta,

I am very sorry and mortified about the theft. Here's hoping for a speedy recovery of your stolen property, especially the precious family photos. If you are able to read this thread, please don't hesitate to ask for any assistance you need that we may be able to offer.

This is outrageous!

T34C · #10 (**permalink**) 02-03-2008

Am I reading it correctly that he was in the room asleep while someone let them selves in and took his stuff????? Unfreaking-believable!!!!! I think it would be very hard for anyone not working for the hotel to be involved.

G- I am very sorry you are having to endure an event like this. If I can do anything to help please let me know. I'd be more than happy to make a few phone calls to Holiday Inn for you. Not to mention have a few "words" with the person(s) involved.