More prodnoses

[ShedsRus]

Can some one tell me the reason for 3 members of Revenue & Customs at BHX on Sat 21/07?

Stood after security but preventing access to the departure lounge until they'd asked pertinent questions like where u going? Why? Where u staying? and how much cash have u got?

As sole traveller, amongst the families off to the Majorca villa, I was asked for my reason for travelling. Taken aback I replied 'cos thats wot I do. Not good enuff. Why,where,how and why again. Not good enough. Passport taken for discussion with one of the other PNs. I was off to Frankfurt for a weekend (one of many I take throughout the year), I had 3 Indian and 1 Chinese visa (which may or not been relavent - as no-one asked). I was then approached by PN2 who asked the same questions - received the same answers. He insisted I told him exactly where I was going - in Germany - and why. It was a pain in the A***. Eventually after seeing I was getting a bit p****d off he asked what I had in my camera bag! It didn't take an Einstein but I showed him the requisite camera and lo the portals opened and I was told to have a nice time. At no time was their presence explained.
During this periood I had watched the young lady revenuer ask similar questions of the bucket and spade brigade - who all looked as if they were money laundering in the Balearics - I don't think.

So - wot were they up to? Is our Gordon after our holiday money as well as our tax, pensions, homes, gold fillings?

Answers on a fifty pound note please

[Avman]

Had that a couple of times at Brum (and only Brum), although the last occasion was some years ago. I asked for his I/D and took my time studying it. Handed it back and then produced my I/D as I asked him how I could be of help to him. He asked what my destination was. I told him. He asked if I was going for business or personal reasons. Told him I was going to work. Asked what my occupation was and where I worked. You must have missed that bit on my I/D you just looked at I replied with a friendly smile. He wished me a good trip.

[SXB]

Shedrus

Would you prefer that Revenue and Customs just be disbanded ? Or would it be better if they only concentrated on people who clearly look a bit 'shady' and only travelling between London and Bogata ? Also, how do you know that people travelling between Birmingham and the Balearics are not involved in money laundering. Do you know that the Balearic Islands are one of largest drug consuming locations in western Europe ?

The reason different officers asked you the same questions was because when people lie they often make small mistakes when recounting their 'tale' You've obviously never been on an El Al flight.

I've been stopped by Customs officials on countless occasions, I've always been polite and answered their questions honestly without making smart arse comments.

[RevMan2]

OK, thread drift and it's not an anti-American rant, but I fail to see how three separate officers asking me three times how long I'll be staying and where will induce me to contradict the information I've provided on the immigration form.
I used to say "3 days, just like it says here", but they don't appear too keen on accepting remedial reading lessons...

Same applies in the UK and Canada on occasion. Must be an Anglo-Saxon thing.

[Beer_n_Tabs]

Unfortunately or fortunately (depending on your viewpoint), as annoying, and as pointless as this may seem to you, much of this is about the authorities having a phyiscal presence, aviation security is similar..........a bit like having Bobbies on the Beat.

Drugs, contraband, bombs, immigrants etc etc.........of course the powers that be will never ever stop all of them, but having that visual detterent will make a difference at that particular port

I am all for profilling personally, and you can bet your a*se the HMC official knows damn well the bucket and spade brigade aren't doing anything wrong.....but they have to be seen to be doing the right thing.

Grit your teeth, smile, answer nicely and we can all go on our merry way :ok:

[A2QFI]

Heavy handed harrassment of the bucket and spade brigade is NOT the right thing and does nothing for national security! Cash and drugs going in or out of the country can, presumably be detected by X ray and scans of luggage and the attentions of sniffer dogs.
My passport says, inter alia, "Allow the bearer to pass freely and without let or hindrance and to afford the bearer such assistance and protection as may be necessary". This is directed at foreign Governments so our lot could give it a try. I accept that men with machine guns (what use are they in a crowded concourse BTW?) are a visible sign of protection and that is slightly reassuring.

[PAXboy]

If they do not stop the bucket-and-spade people, then folks will adopt that persona when carrying contraband.

Some years ago, I was returning from a weekend in Geneva and was pulled. They looked at my passport and saw that it was my birthday that weekend. "Show my your watch". I showed him my twenty year old watch and he then wanted to search my bag as he did not believe that I had not bought a watch for my birthday in Geneva. I must have looked more wealthy than I felt. :p

He searched the bag and we went on our way. No problem.

[Beer_n_Tabs]

If they do not stop the bucket-and-spade people, then folks will adopt that persona when carrying contraband.

Yes indeed !

[Shack37]

SXB
Thank you for the interrogation techniques procedures course.
"Riding the Euro Gravy Plane"
Location Strasbourg.
Says it all really.:{

[SXB]

Shack37
I can send you an application form if you like, though we do have at least 500 applicants for each vacancy:)

[Shack37]

SXB
Forget the application form, too close to retirement, just send your tax refund:ok:

You know as well as I do that the guys/girls with the gold epaulettes are a great deterrent and there should be more of them on view but the most effective tool is the exchange of information between international agencies.:ugh:

[SXB]

You know as well as I do that the guys/girls with the gold epaulettes are a great deterrent and there should be more of them on view but the most effective tool is the exchange of information between international agenciesAgree with that

Forget the application form, too close to retirement, just send your tax refundWe're exempt from income tax, haven't paid a penny since about 1996:ok:

[Shack37]

Quote
We're exempt from income tax, haven't paid a penny since about 1996:ok:


Not fair, I still have to pay it and then beg it back at EoY. Brightens up an otherwise dull summer:ok::O:O

Have a good weekend:cool: