A hotel guest was robbed by a fake housekeeper, and I’m kind of surprised that someone would fall for this?
In this post:
Four Points by Sheraton guest robbed while in room
This incident happened at the Four Points by Sheraton Bellingham (in Washington) on July 18, 2021. A victim had rented a room at the hotel, and shortly after checking in there was a knock at her door. The guest stated that the woman at the door claimed to be from housekeeping, and wanted to make sure all of the appropriate amenities were in the room.
The victim allowed the woman into the room, let her walk around freely, and didn’t watch her while she was in there. It was later determined that while in the room, the victim’s keys, wallet, credit cards, and roughly $2,300 in cash, were stolen.
There’s so much that’s confusing here:
- Am I the only one who keeps an eye on people in the room, even if they’re actual hotel employees?
- How big of a guest room are we talking about that this thief was able to steal so many different things without being noticed?
- One has to wonder if this guest was somehow specifically targeted, since she happened to have $2,300 in cash; most people don’t carry nearly that much cash
- This seems like a high-risk theft, since there are typically cameras in hotels and limited exits
This incident reminded me of something that happened to me at a London hotel in 2016, where three kids forced their way into my room as soon as I checked in. They ended up stealing a wireless device (not belonging to me).
How was the thief caught?
A 37-year-old woman was later identified as the thief, based on fingerprints left in the room. Furthermore, hotel video surveillance showed footage of someone that resembled her. However, she wasn’t caught until January 10, 2022 (several months later), when she was spotted at Winco, “where she had been permanently banned from entering.”
At that point it was determined that there were warrants out for her arrest. The police officer told the woman to turn off her car, but she put it in reverse and drove off. There was then a police chase that involved driving over 100mph, and she was eventually caught.
She has now been charged with second-degree burglary, second-degree theft, first-degree criminal impersonation, and attempting to allude police. She was released on $10,000 bail on February 25, 2022.
Bottom line
A Four Points by Sheraton guest in Washington was robbed by a person posing as a housekeeper. The fake housekeeper claimed to be checking on the guest’s room, but stole $2,300 in cash, among other things. It’s hard to imagine that someone would fall for something like this, but perhaps the thief was convincing.
What do you make of this fake housekeeping robbery?
(Tip of the hat to View from the Wing)
I, you or somebody else probably would have fallen for it also. feel bad for those who suffer at the hands of bad people but they really help others to become aware, because so many just don't realize what can happen. How would you know the difference? I know I wouldn't. But I'm glad I stumbled upon this article. Be aware that some individuals aren't even staying at a hotel although they make it seem...
I, you or somebody else probably would have fallen for it also. feel bad for those who suffer at the hands of bad people but they really help others to become aware, because so many just don't realize what can happen. How would you know the difference? I know I wouldn't. But I'm glad I stumbled upon this article. Be aware that some individuals aren't even staying at a hotel although they make it seem like they are. Be aware of anybody following you or someone that you see at multiple hotels and locations. You have to stand up for yourself and make it clear that you're not an object of p r e y without creating conflict o being afraid for your safety but bad people unfortunately make it necessary to whatever feelings of peace, enjoyment or normal everyday living you're entitled to was thinking about getting an ASL patch or some kind of a signage that I am deaf and hard of hearing and disabled but my concern is being taken advantage of for it. Never ever open any door to someone you have not verified and trust, no exceptions. Yes I am disabled and probably perceived as being vulnerable for other reasons, but never be afraid to just get up and walk away or defend yourself, especially non violently. Women commit crimes too and they can be just a psycho as the guys.
So she was charged with "attempting to allude police"???
Erm, I think you mean "elude"!
Seriously can’t believe they let her out on a $10 000 bail! She already ran away once… I’d be very surprised if she turns up to court!
Exactly Lisa! I am just not amused that such a character is on the loose instead of being behind bars...
west coast district attorney's don't like to arrest perps and put them in jail,,, It is called catch and release.. Seattle,San Fran,LA etc all DA's have this mindset.. Hence the increase in crimes with no punishment
WA and Bellingham is a very liberal place...Pretty much zero consequences for crime nowadays.
reminds me on a story once about Mama Schlappig, when she was robbed from a stranger in her hotel room!
Some people are just not aware of the real TROUBLE around them, but that woman was sure focused on getting things DONE!
Wonder who that woman was???
Washington DC area . . . i remember in the 1980's being the highest criminal area of all USA.
Lucky, you're absolutely right but this is not how the majority of people work.
Most would not observe a hotel employee. Many would find it disrespectful to assume bad faith.
Being a 5 star property the Sheraton 4 Point's always has stellar guest service and amazing amenities ,turn down service etc.
For only 30 dollars a day amenity fee I was offered unlimited 800 calls and all the tap water I could drink
Wasn’t sure which thief was worse the hotel or the fake housekeeper
"Wasn’t sure which thief was worse the hotel or the fake housekeeper"
Hotel Worse indeed!
I know actual people who fell for Nigerian scams and it was not that long ago so I can attest there are people out there who will be easy victims. While I wouldn't victim blame with venom I would sit people down and tell them what the real world is like. Yeah its awful that people prey on others but I grew up where you learn to be careful at an early age. Does not say much for the human race but if you don't want to be a victim you need to wise up.
Maybe this victim was brought up believing they lived in the land of the free, home of the brave, and learning to salute the flag - perhaps they would’ve been better off if their school taught them to not trust their fellow citizens and particularly watch out for housekeeping at hotels, because if they get robbed, people will blame them as the victim (sometimes with venom, sometimes without)
What is "Winco"? I don't know what that is.
Grocery chain
"All that stuff" could easily fit in a wallet and purse. It's not a lot of stuff. I don't understand leaving that much cash laying around the room but credit cards/wallet/keys.
Also, I've haven't been in a hotel these past few years that has a room safe large enough to fit my laptop, but the rest of this stuff could have easily gone in the safe.
Housekeeping knocks at the door? I usually tell them to come back later.
Yes the first thing I do when I get into my room is put my valuables in the safe. And I try and avoid hotels that don't have room safes. To me that is the most important features of a hotel.
This story makes me remember the one of a mother of a certain blogger that let a strange inside her room in Madrid... and the hotel was the one to be blamed...
“How big of a guest room are we talking about that this thief was able to steal so many different things without being noticed?”
Big enough to contain a…handbag?
Housekeeping showing up during the stay should already be a hint something is weird these days...
Comment of the day. I couldn't agree more!
I don’t. I’d like to give all hotel employees benefit of doubt and prefer not to judge them just because they happen to be a hotel employee. I think, how would I feel if I were in their shoes and my customer was following me around.
Already released! She is a menace. What is wrong with Washington State?
Welcome to USA
Multiple outstanding warrants + second-degree burglary, second-degree theft, first-degree criminal impersonation, and attempting to allude police...and she was released haha. Fascinating times.
...and it wasn't even in NYC! I guess the free-spirited judicial system is bi-coastal now?
its probably worse on this coast...
Obviously we don't know the full context but everything here points to the victim being to blame here. I never leave cash out, let alone $2,300, or anything else valuable. I even put my laptop and headphones into the safe if it will fit and yes, I always stay with the person who is in my room just as a precaution.
Obviously we don’t know the full context but everything here points to the thief being to blame here. *Fixed it for you*
absolutely. wasn't this "housekeeper" in a uniform? wtf was the "victim" while the "HK" was roaming around and picking stuff up? i mean HELLO?!