I've also pm'ed you. Hope your OK. Gel

Subsequent to the pm I sent you earlier.........
Well at least your thread has got bumped now and hopefully lots of people will go back to the original post to see your addition? There that saved you a Job!
Very scary events and I think you were very brave and quick thinking - well done!

When you threatened them with the Tourist Police and Trading Standards (worth Threatening) I think their reaction should tell you what sort of reaction you would get.
Fiona's advice might be good in the civilised world, but this place becomes more lawless by the day, and your decision to leg-it was by far the best!
I am hoping these thieving so-called jewellers have no way of tracing you? If so then avoid their vicinity until you go back to the UK. They will probably assume you will go to the "authorities" and are working out lies, excuses and a bribe amount anyway.
Possession is 9/10 of the law, the saying goes, and for the first time in this whole sorry saga you are ahead, so stay there!
If you hear any more from them, go to the ordinary police, NOT the Tourist lot, they are a total waste of oxygen. If caught off-guard tell them you have "registered a complaint with the Calangute Police Station and the British High Commission". Even as an empty threat this can work wonders.
J5

and again.

I won't be buying ANYTHING in Goa other than food and drink. If this is the way you are re-payed for the business you have given them over the years then they just don't deserve anyone's business at all. It's no wonder that Goa is seeing a reduction in tourism with incidents such as this......they are shooting themselves in the foot.....again!

Stay strong.
Fizz

Gayle.
The Goan police believe thier own first, don't get caught up with any politics while out there, I have been in touch with the british consulate about problems I had in Goa, they are saying they will look into it, but don't hold my breathe, you take care.
Danny

Gayle
I'm absolutely appalled at your story.

You must have been terrified, I hope you're OK now.
I wonder what would have happened if your OH had been with you.

I remember your original post about this and what I find hard to believe is that this jewellery shop are people that you had become friendly with over a number of years and had given lots of business to.
Maybe you'd even recommended them to your friends and on here and other holiday websites.

It just beggars belief that not only could they rip you off in the first place, they subjected you to such intimidation.

It's a pity that for legal reasons that you can't 'name and shame' this shop (I do understand why the mods say you can't though).

I wonder if the same legal issues apply to other holiday websites - iyswim.

***a guide to libel issues. Its not just an issue HT has. Take into account that the allegations made went beyond just the quality of the necklace. Some commercial sites may be happy to take the risk but we are not a money making site- we are just a small independent one. Hope that explains a bit more***
Fiona ht mod

Gayle,

You say you got the new chain.In that case I would be very careful indeed.As I have said we never buy jewellry in Goa.Reading your story has confirmed I am right.I have PMd you as well for the name as I would like to take a look at these thieves and hopefully warn anyone while we are out there.

Good Luck

Papa

Sweet lord above !

First I read Dannys report and now this - makes you less and less inclined to mix with others than the English and buy nothing other than food and drink.

Is really difficult to get a balance, you dont want to just mix with brits but I think the more you mix and make 'friends' (they are not real friends) the more open to trouble you are. This is my 4th trip coming up and while I chat to everyone I keep my guard and would never let them think I am being loyal to any of them or that there bar, shop etc is my favourite, in my mind the less they know and less they expect the better off you are.

Good point Solobrummy.I am always cautious about being over friendly with anyone while we are away.I tend to be polite smile and chat but always keep a certain distance.It can make you seem slightly aloof but also sends out the right signals as to how far you can be pushed.

Sad old world.

Papa

It is sad but your a visitor into there world for 2/3 weeks, you cant expect to be treated as you would treat people, its just doesnt happen I'm afraid.

You might seem aloof but I'd rather that and they treat me with respect and as a visitor than complacany sets in and they know you'll be back to the shop/bar/shack so think she/he wont notice a few rupees here or there or wont notice they not getting as good a deal.

I know we all like a good time on holiday but you wouldnt let your guard down here so quickly and we should be more aware when we are away. I live in brum and go to the jewellery quarter to buy my jewellery and while they are friendly to get the business none of them know my name or give me a drink when I go in - says a lot to me

OMG Gayle ive just read your update. Horrific, you must have been petrified. I hope you are ok now. I wouldnt go anywhere near the shop again. Stay safe.

My quote earlier:

It's a pity that for legal reasons that you can't 'name and shame' this shop (I do understand why the mods say you can't though).

I wonder if the same legal issues apply to other holiday websites - iyswim.

Fiona's response:

***a guide to libel issues. Its not just an issue HT has. Take into account that the allegations made went beyond just the quality of the necklace. Some commercial sites may be happy to take the risk but we are not a money making site- we are just a small independent one. Hope that explains a bit more***
Fiona ht mod

Thanks for explaining that, Fiona.

Regards

You must have been so frightened!!! Thank God you got out of there in one piece, I know from experience what they are capable of out there. Stay well clear of the place and try to enjoy the rest of your holiday. This just goes to show that none of our so called "friends" can be trusted.
GFF xx

lassigirl gave us a useful address to have.

The first call for any UK national, in trouble with the police in Goa, should be to British Consular Assistant Ms Shilpa Calderia, at her Tourist Assistance office in Panjim's Dempo Towers near the Kadamba bus stand Tel- 0832/243 8734 Office opening hours Mon-Thurs 9-30--1500 Fri 9-30--12-30

Might your above post be made into a 'stickie' Fiona? I've copied it into an email to myself and sent to my Hotmail which I can access from anywhere

it is already. Check the useful info sticky

Hope all is ok. Any news?

Mardon, I keep on checking to see if Gayle has updated this, I just don't have a good feeling about the whole thing. Hope everything is okay.

Does anyone know if Gayle's back yet? It's quite worrying that we haven't heard from her for a few days.

Just had a look back,and on 30th January Gayle said she had been in Goa 3 weeks and had 4 more weeks left.So I guess that means she comes back around end of February. Lets hope we hear some news (good) soon. Paula