Scam in Falkland IslandsTheft
Johnny rooks taking belongings in Falkland Islands
How it works
Johnny rooks, also called striated caracaras, are fearless birds that approach people closely. They may take phones, cameras and hats. This is wildlife behaviour, not a human scam.
Warning signs
- A bird approaches you closely.
- Birds follow you as you walk.
How to avoid it
- Keep small belongings inside a closed bag when you are not using them.
- Hold your phone or camera securely.
- Never feed, touch or chase wild birds.
If it happens to you
Do not chase or handle the bird. Retrieve the item only if you can do so without disturbing wildlife or putting yourself at risk.
- Move somewhere safe. Do not chase anyone or start a confrontation.
- If there is immediate danger or an emergency, call 999.
- Contact your card issuer promptly if a card or its details are missing. Freeze affected cards and ask about disputed payments.
- Save receipts, booking messages and payment records. Write down what happened, when and where.
- Report suspected crime to the police. Ask for a report reference, then contact your insurer and your embassy or consulate if needed.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
- Travel blog2021A Camping Trip at DunbarA camper on West Falkland reported that a Johnny rook took a sock drying beside their tent, which they recovered after the bird dropped it.Read on Travel blog
- Travel blogHolding Onto One's Hat in the Falkland IslandsA researcher described Johnny rooks taking hats, lunches and keys and interfering with equipment during fieldwork in the Falklands.Read on Travel blog
- NewsA Most Mischievous Bird Of PreyA writer who visited the Falklands described Johnny rooks snatching caps and pulling backpack zippers, documenting wildlife behaviour rather than a human scam.Read on News
Questions
What is the johnny rooks taking belongings scam in Falkland Islands?
Johnny rooks, also called striated caracaras, are fearless birds that approach people closely. They may take phones, cameras and hats. This is wildlife behaviour, not a human scam.
How can I spot it early?
A bird approaches you closely. Birds follow you as you walk.
How do I avoid johnny rooks taking belongings in Falkland Islands?
Keep small belongings inside a closed bag when you are not using them. Hold your phone or camera securely. Never feed, touch or chase wild birds.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Do not chase or handle the bird. Retrieve the item only if you can do so without disturbing wildlife or putting yourself at risk.
How common is this scam in Falkland Islands?
Occasional. Crime is described as relatively unknown in the Falkland Islands, and no specific tourist scams or human theft methods are described. One unusual risk is that wild birds called Johnny rooks may take phones, cameras or hats.
Who can I report it to?
Police: report suspected scams or theft to the police. Call 999 in an emergency. Card issuer: use your banking app or a trusted contact number to report a missing card or an unauthorised payment. Ask about blocking the card and disputing charges. Travel insurer: contact your insurer through the details on your policy. Keep receipts, evidence and any police report reference. Your embassy or consulate: use its official contact details if your passport is lost or stolen, or you need help replacing travel documents. Booking provider or transport operator: raise payment or booking disputes through the contact details on your confirmation. Keep a written record.
What number do I call in an emergency in Falkland Islands?
Emergency assistance: 999.
Reviewed by @snuck