215 posts
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Post by frosty on May 24, 2021 8:28:37 GMT
Whilst it's great that theatres are opening again and people are out and about enjoying themselves, it's also bringing out the thieves. On Saturday afternoon, we saw a guy checking his phone on the street in Soho and a cyclist zoomed by and snatched it out of his hand. He gave chase, but I doubt very much he caught him. Then in the evening, a lady was talking to the police because someone had grabbed her handbag. I'm always getting my phone out and checking directions or the time, so seeing that incident has made me more aware of what could happen - and I keep my cards/driving licence in my phone case too, so it would be a nightmare if it was taken.
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19,787 posts
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Post by BurlyBeaR on May 24, 2021 9:14:12 GMT
Keep your hand on your ha’pennies folks!
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Post by Deleted on May 24, 2021 9:24:57 GMT
When I was in Constanţa many years ago a pickpocket managed to steal my wallet from my pocket while my hand was on top of it. I'm still both annoyed that they did it (and that a bank accepted the obviously stolen card later) and slightly impressed that they did it so easily despite that fact that I was thinking "There are pickpockets around so I'd better keep my hands in my pockets at all times".
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Post by marob on May 24, 2021 9:36:15 GMT
I saw a girl get her phone snatched like that a few years ago on the part of Charing Cross Road with the little side streets by Cambridge Circus. I’d seen warnings on the news a few days before, but it was still quite shocking to see in real life just how quickly it happens. They’re gone before the victim realises what’s happened.
I saw an actor post that it had happened to him a few weeks back. Rob Houchen, I think?
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Post by firefingers on May 24, 2021 9:51:39 GMT
If ever I feel like I might be vulnerable to having my phone grabbed, I hold it with one hand on the bottom half and the other on the top, so they have no easy way to grab it and I have twice the strength to hold on with. They won't fight you for it, they are looking for ways targets and if you resist even slightly they will leave it.
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290 posts
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Post by southstreet on May 24, 2021 10:36:12 GMT
I had mine grabbed out of my hand at a bus stop a few years back and the kid was obviously way faster than me (he wasn't even on a bike), so didn't catch him even though I tried for about 10 seconds.
The problem is that when you're not paying attention, you don't have a hard grip on the phone and it's gone before you even have time to clench your fist. I am a lot more careful ever since then and have a little elastic grip thing on the back of my case, which not only helps me holding the phone more securely, so it's not as easily snatched, it also frees up my thumb, so navigating the phone is a lot easier, too.
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Post by Deleted on May 24, 2021 12:13:54 GMT
Avoid using your phone/having it in your hand when you are waiting to cross/crossing. I was nearly ran over when mine was taken. I threw up my hands to stop him hitting me on his bike and he grabbed it.
If you need it for directions while walking, move to part of the pavement furthest from the road.
If you need to stop and use it, tuck in furthest from the road edge, consider turning your back to the road.
Criminals steal phones as a way of levelling up in their gang. They aren’t looking for a specific type, you are no safer with a feature phone than the latest iPhone. It’s a numbers game to prove fealty to the gang (according to the police who helped me.)
It’s absolutely everywhere in London.
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215 posts
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Post by frosty on May 24, 2021 12:27:09 GMT
Avoid using your phone/having it in your hand when you are waiting to cross/crossing. I was nearly ran over when mine was taken. I threw up my hands to stop him hitting me on his bike and he grabbed it. If you need it for directions while walking, move to part of the pavement furthest from the road. If you need to stop and use it, tuck in furthest from the road edge, consider turning your back to the road. Criminals steal phones as a way of levelling up in their gang. They aren’t looking for a specific type, you are no safer with a feature phone than the latest iPhone. It’s a numbers game to prove fealty to the gang (according to the police who helped me.) It’s absolutely everywhere in London. Oh that sounds horrible, but thanks for the useful tips. Compared to a lot of capitals, I think London is relatively safe, but it's still a very good idea to be aware of what can happen and take sensible precautions. |
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2,339 posts
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Post by theglenbucklaird on May 24, 2021 12:35:16 GMT
Avoid using your phone/having it in your hand when you are waiting to cross/crossing. I was nearly ran over when mine was taken. I threw up my hands to stop him hitting me on his bike and he grabbed it. If you need it for directions while walking, move to part of the pavement furthest from the road. If you need to stop and use it, tuck in furthest from the road edge, consider turning your back to the road. Criminals steal phones as a way of levelling up in their gang. They aren’t looking for a specific type, you are no safer with a feature phone than the latest iPhone. It’s a numbers game to prove fealty to the gang (according to the police who helped me.) It’s absolutely everywhere in London. Oh that sounds horrible, but thanks for the useful tips. Compared to a lot of capitals, I think London is relatively safe, but it's still a very good idea to be aware of what can happen and take sensible precautions. I was in Roma by the Termini station after all the warnings for the area on red alert and saw a dipper try to take the purse from the girl walking five yards in front of me. Not sure the girl or the dipper understood English but I grabbed his arm, made him give back his stolen booty and told him to apologise. Just really annoyed me in broad daylight right in front of me. I didn't get the apology, language barriers and all that, but he didn't get the very grateful young girls wallet. |
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Post by Roxie on May 24, 2021 14:37:20 GMT
I was once in London walking down the street talking on my phone to my Mum and she chastised me for using my phone on the street as I was bound to get it stolen! I rolled my eyes at her but it seems she had a point!
I was thinking last night that I'd take my posh expensive bag when I (hopefully!) go to London for the day in July but on reflection, I daren't!
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8,159 posts
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Post by alece10 on May 24, 2021 15:14:41 GMT
The easiest place to steal a phone is outside a tube station. As people leave tube stations the first thing they do is get their phone out to check messages etc and the thieves are waiting.
When I'm out my phone stays in my pocket even if it rings. Yes I am a bit paranoid but was a victim of having my phone stolen a couple of years ago.
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5,707 posts
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Post by lynette on May 24, 2021 16:22:58 GMT
It is hard to keep your phone and bag safe when you are checking directions, times etc. I’m very boring but i try to write down relevant stuff on a piece of paper or in a notebook and use that. Phone stays in bag or pocket, I’ve had dippers try in Paris twice, just off the Eurostar and onto the metro. Rife. I always thought it wasn’t so bad in London but i suppose it is. I mentioned here a while ago that i spotted someone eyeing up my OH’s briefcase in the foyer of the Park Theatre as it stood on the floor beneath the table. He clocked me clocking him and disappeared. The thieves are generally sharper and more aggressive than ‘we’ are so be careful out there.
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19,787 posts
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Post by BurlyBeaR on May 24, 2021 17:26:03 GMT
I use Google maps loads when I’m in unfamiliar cities. I use the walking directions thing where you literally hold the phone in front of you and follow the instructions in real time. Dangerous. I’m going to think about that in the future.
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2,389 posts
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Post by peggs on May 24, 2021 17:32:42 GMT
I've always been a bit paranoid of having my phone out and always went the on paper option if i could even though that was much bigger chance of me getting lost than using a helpful app or something. I worried that made me look like a tourist and lost but perhaps that is less of a danger. I probably need to wise up about being in buildings though and good advice regarding being on the streets and worse places to be hit.
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336 posts
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Post by Roxie on May 24, 2021 20:38:02 GMT
When using the tube I used to always use an Oyster card but more recently have been using my contactless debit card or my phone. However I think next time I go I’ll dig out my old Oyster card. I’ve never been completely happy getting my phone/debit card out in a crowded tube station. Thankfully, I’ve only ever had my pockets picked once, in Spain, and I didn’t even notice till I went to pay for something later and my purse was gone! I just remember feeling a bit crowded for a sec like someone was too close to me in a shop and that must have been when it was taken. Fortunately my phone wasn’t taken and I was able to cancel everything on the apps
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Post by sph on May 24, 2021 23:28:09 GMT
I'm super paranoid about things like this so there are lots of little things I do. Even if I'm sat in a pub I keep my backpack strap hooked over my knee. My jeans are very tight as I'm a skinny jeans wearer so best of luck to them in the pickpocket department, but I keep my hands on my pockets anyway. Before taking out my phone on the street I do a quick scan of who's around as well and stay well back from the edge of the pavement, but I hate walking and texting so it's not like I do that often.
I'm half tempted to one day set up a booby-trapped phone tied to a lamp post and watch one of them get yanked off his bike as he tries to make off with it. Wouldn't stop them permanently but it'd do a better turn than just another reported case to the police that will never be solved.
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Post by Jan on May 25, 2021 6:29:01 GMT
The easiest place to steal a phone is outside a tube station. As people leave tube stations the first thing they do is get their phone out to check messages etc and the thieves are waiting. That is similar to the observation that when they put up signs in places saying "Warning pickpockets operating in this area" it actually increases crime in that area because when people read the sign they tend to automatically without thinking tap or feel the pocket or bag they have their purse or wallet in so then the thieves know exactly where it is. |
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Post by alece10 on May 25, 2021 7:48:36 GMT
The easiest place to steal a phone is outside a tube station. As people leave tube stations the first thing they do is get their phone out to check messages etc and the thieves are waiting. That is similar to the observation that when they put up signs in places saying "Warning pickpockets operating in this area" it actually increases crime in that area because when people read the sign they tend to automatically without thinking tap or feel the pocket or bag they have their purse or wallet in so then the thieves know exactly where it is. Yes I remember reading about that. You have to be so careful Don't you. |
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19,787 posts
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Post by BurlyBeaR on May 25, 2021 10:09:53 GMT
I got my wallet nicked in a tube station in Barcelona. Classic distraction technique. As we approached the top of the escalator there was a kerfuffle, I think someone (part of the gang) kneeled to tie their lace just as they got off causing everyone behind him to “back up” as they stepped off the escalator. While everyone was trying not to fall over the person in front, someone behind me dipped into my pocket and probably several other people’s too. Fortunately when I’m away from home I always have a policy of taking out my “holiday wallet” containing one card and a small amount of currency so the loss was minimal.
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2,339 posts
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Post by theglenbucklaird on May 25, 2021 10:10:45 GMT
I got my wallet nicked in a tube station in Barcelona. Classic distraction technique. As we approached the top of the escalator there was a kerfuffle, I think someone (part of the gang) kneeled to tie their lace just as they got off causing everyone behind him to “back up” as they stepped off the escalator. While everyone was trying not to fall over the person in front, someone behind me dipped into my pocket and probably several other people’s too. Fortunately when I’m away from home I always have a policy of taking out my “holiday wallet” containing one card and a small amount of currency so the loss was minimal. Some good advice there |
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Post by Roxie on May 25, 2021 22:35:12 GMT
I got my wallet nicked in a tube station in Barcelona. Classic distraction technique. As we approached the top of the escalator there was a kerfuffle, I think someone (part of the gang) kneeled to tie their lace just as they got off causing everyone behind him to “back up” as they stepped off the escalator. While everyone was trying not to fall over the person in front, someone behind me dipped into my pocket and probably several other people’s too. Fortunately when I’m away from home I always have a policy of taking out my “holiday wallet” containing one card and a small amount of currency so the loss was minimal. I’ve read that in New York they often have a ‘muggers wallet’ similar thing, just an old wallet with 20 dollars in it. When I first went to NYC without my parents when I was 21, I took a money belt I wore under my clothes and I was cutting about with travellers cheques rather than money!! Those were the days! |
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Post by Deleted on May 26, 2021 4:27:55 GMT
It would be nice if pockets were designed to make it harder to lift things straight out of them, with an inner flap that the top of a wallet could be tucked up behind or something similar. A bit of fumbling every time I need a card may be inconvenient but it's not as inconvenient as having everything stolen.
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Post by nick on May 26, 2021 7:08:41 GMT
It would be nice if pockets were designed to make it harder to lift things straight out of them, with an inner flap that the top of a wallet could be tucked up behind or something similar. A bit of fumbling every time I need a card may be inconvenient but it's not as inconvenient as having everything stolen. Most of my rear trouser pockets have a flap and a button or just a button. And the inside pocket of most of my jackets and coats have buttons. Not a deliberate choice on my part but useful. I have a leather jacket I wear most of the time. The lining has torn in the pockets - good luck to a pick pocket investigating those. My only experience of a stolen purse is when my wife had hers stolen when she was coming out of the tube with a pram. A 'nice' man offered to help to lift it up the stairs. Her bag was under the pram. Lesson learnt. |
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Post by alece10 on May 26, 2021 15:23:20 GMT
Whilst we are talking about having things stolen etc I will tell you my tale.
Phone stolen out of bag at tube station but that's not very interesting.
But a few years ago I went to Madrid to visit a friend. We got off the airport bus in centre of Madrid and walked through an underpass. As we were walking up the steps someone tapped me on the shoulder and pointed to my back and arm which was covered in mustard sauce. Someone else then came up to me with some tissues and bottle of water and another person came to me with a map asking directions. All happening at the same time.
You can see where this is heading can't you.....
Anyway took rucksack off my back to clean the sauce and suddenly realised rucksack had vanished. Classic distraction robbery by a group of North African travellers.
Passport, money etc in rucksack.
Went to police and they told us it is happening several times a day with this group of North Africans targeting tourists getting off Airport bus.
A friend of the friend i was visiting heard about this and she was a reporter for the main Madrid newspaper. She said it was happening all the time and giving Madrid a bad name and police were doing nothing about it.
Anyway she wrote a big article in the paper a few days later and suddenly police were all over the problem.
So in a small way my robbery helped future tourists to Madrid.
Had to travel back next day as no money or passport and didn't feel comfortable so never got to see Madrid and not been back since.
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Post by alicechallice on May 26, 2021 15:36:54 GMT
Whilst we are talking about having things stolen etc I will tell you my tale. Phone stolen out of bag at tube station but that's not very interesting. But a few years ago I went to Madrid to visit a friend. We got off the airport bus in centre of Madrid and walked through an underpass. As we were walking up the steps someone tapped me on the shoulder and pointed to my back and arm which was covered in mustard sauce. Someone else then came up to me with some tissues and bottle of water and another person came to me with a map asking directions. All happening at the same time. You can see where this is heading can't you..... Anyway took rucksack off my back to clean the sauce and suddenly realised rucksack had vanished. Classic distraction robbery by a group of North African travellers. Passport, money etc in rucksack. Went to police and they told us it is happening several times a day with this group of North Africans targeting tourists getting off Airport bus. A friend of the friend i was visiting heard about this and she was a reporter for the main Madrid newspaper. She said it was happening all the time and giving Madrid a bad name and police were doing nothing about it. Anyway she wrote a big article in the paper a few days later and suddenly police were all over the problem. So in a small way my robbery helped future tourists to Madrid. Had to travel back next day as no money or passport and didn't feel comfortable so never got to see Madrid and not been back since. Alan Bennett had a similar technique used on him involving some ice cream after he'd used a cash point. |
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