Latest news with #AirTag
Telegraph
4 days ago
- Telegraph
‘A criminal gang stole £20k worth of racing bikes from our Airbnb in France'
Has a company treated you unfairly? Our Consumer Champion is available to help. For how to contact her click here. Dear Katie, We booked an 11-bedroom property in France through Airbnb for a cycling trip during the Paris-Roubaix weekend in April. What should have been a memorable sporting holiday turned into a distressing ordeal involving burglary, unsafe accommodation and what we feel is a complete failure of Airbnb's much-advertised AirCover protection. Before our arrival, we informed the host that 14 guests would be bringing bicycles, and asked about secure storage. Upon arrival, we discovered that the property's deadlock was jammed and inoperable. My husband phoned the host, who promised a locksmith would attend the next day. However, that night we awoke at 3am to find the front door wide open. To our horror, we found that five bikes, a camera and a set of van keys had been stolen. Luckily, someone in our party had thought to place an AirTag on one of the bikes, and we subsequently recovered three of them by confronting the thieves ourselves. The police, who arrived heavily armed and in body armour, confirmed forced entry and advised us to leave immediately, warning that the gang might return. But Airbnb delayed our relocation, refusing to cover the cost for all guests. After hours of phone calls and having a front door that wouldn't lock, and us needing to guard the property physically, Airbnb finally agreed to let us find our own hotel. We had to pay upfront for alternative accommodation, and were later partially reimbursed. However, when we submitted claims for the stolen items, and other losses under Airbnb's AirCover policy, its insurer denied liability, citing 'forced entry', which effectively absolved the host and, by extension, Airbnb, of responsibility. We feel Airbnb's decision not to compensate us for the two bikes and the camera that remain lost directly contradicts its own promise of '$1m liability insurance' for stolen belongings where the host is liable. We feel our experience raises serious questions about Airbnb's AirCover policy. Its insurer initially claimed it didn't handle theft claims at all, until we sent them Airbnb's own terms. To date, we are still over £10,000 out of pocket. Airbnb's promises of guest protection and responsive support have proven hollow, and we feel we deserve better. Despite repeated attempts to contact them, Airbnb has ignored our emails and failed to address our concerns about the way we have been treated. – KW, via email Dear KW, You faced a terrifying ordeal when you awoke to shuffling sounds coming from downstairs, and you were met face to face with a group of robbers armed with spanners. They made off with some bikes and other valuables, but thankfully, you caught them before they could steal some of your group's more valuable bikes, which were worth as much as £10,000 each. After calling the police, you were startled when they arrived at around 7.30am fully armed with weapons. Apparently, they told you this street you were staying on was notorious for break-ins, as organised crime was rife in the area. Naturally, this frightened the life out of you all and made you want to leave immediately. If this area was as rife with crime as the police had said, then it struck me as deeply irresponsible of the host to allow guests to stay at this property without a sufficiently secure front door. A door with a latch and a functioning deadlock is the bare minimum one would expect at a rental property, and in fact, many insurers insist on front doors having this level of security for valid cover to be put in place. This front door did have a deadlock, but upon arrival at the property, you quickly realised it was temperamental. You messaged the host to let them know it was dangerous. He replied saying someone would come in the morning, but of course, by then it was too late. You also say you were provided with no key to the front door, just a four digit PIN which you were asked not to share with anyone, making you wonder whether it was ever changed between guest stays. Once the police had inspected the break-in, you say you were told that it looked as though the property had been broken into previously, which sent chills down your spine. You phoned Airbnb to report the incident and ask it to move you to another property, but by the sounds of it, it was initially rather useless. Following my involvement, you have now been fully refunded for your replacement hotel, and Airbnb has offered to reimburse the additional expenses you incurred 'as a goodwill gesture', including the van recovery and replacement key, train tickets and event entry fees. This amounts to around £6,000 in total, which will help make up for the £10,000 losses your group incurred as a result of the robbery. However, it still leaves you out of pocket by around £4,000 for the actual items stolen. You rightly point out that part of Airbnb offers cover for guests' stolen belongings in the rare event that their host is found liable for the incident. You made an AirCover claim which was reviewed by an independent adjudicator, but unfortunately they decided that the host was not liable for the claim. However, Airbnb has refused to disclose the full reasons for this decision, and has not sent you the adjudicator's report to examine, or given you the opportunity to appeal the decision. When I asked it for more information, it told me it had not received any evidence that the host confirmed there was anywhere for you to store the bikes after you told it in advance that you were bringing them, or that they described the lock as temperamental, or that they offered to call a locksmith. I told Airbnb that I couldn't see that any of this was reasonable evidence proving that the host was not liable for failing to install basic security on the property's front door, which ultimately left your bikes and camera vulnerable in the attack. I was left feeling concerned that the adjudicator's assessment of the situation had been sloppy, and that Airbnb wasn't interested in digging deeper to establish the true picture. To make matters worse, Airbnb refused to speak to me over the phone about the issue, insisting on email communication only, which only deepened my fears. So with Airbnb digging its heels in over the remaining money, those in your party whom the bikes and camera belonged to are now forced to claim on their home insurance, which will result in higher premiums for them. This seems unfair given the circumstances, and Airbnb's reticence to discuss the nitty gritty here has left me feeling uncomfortable to say the least. I'm sorry you're still disappointed with the outcome, but I have done all I can here with the limited information I've been given. An Airbnb spokesman said: 'Our host liability protection provides up to $1m in coverage in the rare event a guest's belongings are stolen or damaged during a stay and the host is found liable. In this case, the third-party adjuster investigated and did not find the host liable for this incident. 'However, we were sorry to hear about this experience, and as a gesture of goodwill, in addition to refunding the guests for their hotel, we have offered a reimbursement for additional expenses incurred.'
Indianapolis Star
5 days ago
- Indianapolis Star
Peace of mind in your kid's shoe: This AirTag holder can ease your back-to-school worries
We are sending our four-year-old off to school for the first time and are admittedly very nervous about it. I know that I'm not the only parent out there feeling similar anxiety around back-to-school season, but I made one Amazon purchase that is giving both my husband and I a little bit more peace of mind. We purchased an Apple AirTag and a hidden holder shoe insole that fits neatly inside my son's shoes. AirTags have been a common device for parents to keep an eye on their child for a few years now, but kids can lose watches, the tracker can come detached from clothes and your little one can even be separated from their backpack, rendering the device fairly useless. The odds of my son losing his shoes in an emergency are lower, so that's where our comfort comes from. Here's how to shop the hidden AirTag holder insole before you send your kiddos off to school this year. Pro-tip: Prime members can save 10% when they apply the on-page coupon! AirTags are a great option for anything you frequently misplace, or just need that extra peace of mind with a tracking-capable device. Here are some more accessories that might be of use:
USA Today
5 days ago
- USA Today
Peace of mind in your kid's shoe: This AirTag holder can ease your back-to-school worries
Find out why this clever AirTag accessory deserves a spot at the top of your school shopping list. We are sending our four-year-old off to school for the first time and are admittedly very nervous about it. I know that I'm not the only parent out there feeling similar anxiety around back-to-school season, but I made one Amazon purchase that is giving both my husband and I a little bit more peace of mind. We purchased an Apple AirTag and a hidden holder shoe insole that fits neatly inside my son's shoes. AirTags have been a common device for parents to keep an eye on their child for a few years now, but kids can lose watches, the tracker can come detached from clothes and your little one can even be separated from their backpack, rendering the device fairly useless. The odds of my son losing his shoes in an emergency are lower, so that's where our comfort comes from. Here's how to shop the hidden AirTag holder insole before you send your kiddos off to school this year. Give yourself peace of mind sending your kids back to school with an Airtag in their insoles Pro-tip: Prime members can save 10% when they apply the on-page coupon! AirTags are a great option for anything you frequently misplace, or just need that extra peace of mind with a tracking-capable device. Here are some more accessories that might be of use: Save 20% on a 4-pack of AirTags
TECHx
7 days ago
- Business
- TECHx
Apple Store Online Launches in Saudi Arabia
Home » Latest news » Apple Store Online Launches in Saudi Arabia Apple has announced the expansion of its retail presence into Saudi Arabia with the launch of the Apple Store online and the Apple Store app. This marks the first time customers in the Kingdom can access Apple's full range of products and services directly in Arabic. The launch introduces a new way for customers in Saudi Arabia to explore, shop, and receive support from Apple. Deirdre O'Brien, Apple's Senior Vice President of Retail and People, said the company is excited to connect with customers and help them experience how Apple innovations can enrich daily life. The Apple Store online offers a personalized shopping experience tailored to users' existing Apple products. Through the Apple Store app, customers can compare models, save items, and track orders with ease. Apple has also introduced configure-to-order options for Mac, allowing users to customize chips, memory, and storage. For the first time, customers can enjoy free engraving in both Arabic and English on selected products such as AirPods, AirTag, Apple Pencil, and more. • Customers can personalize their Apple Watch combinations • iPhone 16 lineup features Apple Intelligence and enhanced privacy Apple also revealed a range of retail services for Saudi Arabia. Shoppers can get live support via chat or phone to choose the right product. After purchasing, Apple team members are available online for help with setup, switching to iOS, and cellular activation. To improve accessibility, Apple introduced an affordability solution via Tamara, offering Buy Now Pay Later with four monthly installments at 0% interest. The Apple Trade In program is now available in Saudi Arabia. Customers can exchange eligible devices for credit or have them recycled for free. AppleCare+ will provide customers with two years of expert support and device protection. The Apple Education Store is also now active in the Kingdom. Students, parents, and educators can enjoy discounts on Mac and iPad. A back-to-school offer is running until October 21, offering free AirPods or another accessory with eligible purchases. Apple has further announced plans to open its first physical Apple Store locations in Saudi Arabia by 2026. The first flagship location is expected in Diriyah, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This expansion builds on Apple's ongoing investments in the region, including the Apple Developer Academy, which launched in Riyadh in 2021 in partnership with the Saudi government, Tuwaiq Academy, and Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University.
Express Tribune
21-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Aaron Phypers accuses Denise Richards of drug abuse and infidelity
Aaron Phypers, estranged husband of actress Denise Richards, has accused her of long-term Vicodin addiction and an ongoing affair in a letter obtained by Page Six. The claims follow Richards' allegations of domestic abuse, for which she was recently granted a restraining order. Phypers, 52, alleges Richards, 54, has been abusing Vicodin, Adderall, and alcohol for years — referring to Vicodin as 'Vitamin D' or 'white chestnuts.' He claims her substance use endangers their daughter Eloise and that he has witnessed her passing out from the alleged combination. In the same letter, Phypers also accuses Richards of having an ongoing extramarital affair, stating he discovered explicit messages and broken promises. He says she physically assaulted him on July 4 — the day he filed for divorce — and that she smashed his phone to conceal evidence. Phypers further alleges stalking via an AirTag, denial of access to belongings, and harassment of his elderly parents. Despite Richards' claims in court documents that Phypers abused her throughout their marriage — including slapping, choking, and verbal assaults — he denies all allegations, stating he never physically harmed her. Sources close to Phypers claim Richards' bruised face photo was from a fall while intoxicated in 2022. Richards has not commented publicly on Phypers' latest claims. The former couple, who appeared together on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, are now entangled in a bitter legal battle involving abuse accusations, drug use, and infidelity.
