Pickpockets
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I think I was targeted in a supermarket by a pickpocket. I noticed 2 women causing a bit of a scene. I was shopping for groceries with my husband. While we were discussing various dinner options my backpack was on my shoulder behind me. It has 2 front zip compartments, one goes in up direction and one in the down. How they unzipped stealthy I don’t know. I suddenly sensed a presence extremely close to me, I turned around and they jumped back. Luckily there was nothing of particular value in them and on checking nothing was taken. With so many scams on computers these days don’t forget some old fashioned stealing is still happening!
slightfoot Hi I didn’t really have much time and luckily it was a near miss and nothing was taken so I didn’t report it. I am more aware now though and just warning others to be vigilant.
Oh I'm sorry It shows how easily it can happen if opportunity is there for them.. I have a bad habit of walking around with my bag's zip wide open because I'm too lazy to constantly zip unzip but it serves as reminder to perhaps keep tabs on all of our exposed pockets and bags
Nadiaparveen I'm glad I'm not the only one, I do it all the time. My partner is always nagging me about it.
Good that you turned around! These people really are opportunists and some are very good at what they do.
Awful I am always scared and like Nadiaparveen I find myself walking round with my bag not very secure, I have always been afraid of using a backpack for this reason....
Sarahvwomble Just a reminder to be aware of your surroundings especially if you have pockets, compartments etc. Backpacks are especially vulnerable as you wear them behind you. Usually I hook mine on the shopping trolley so it’s in front but on this occasion it was a brief shop and kept it on my back. I won’t do that again in a supermarket now.
I’m glad nothing was taken from your bag. It might be worth letting the supermarket know, just a quick ring, they can check their cameras and keep a lookout for them. Chances are they will target someone else.
I remember years ago, being on the escalator on the London Underground with a friend and someone bumping into her, which was odd, as we were on the standing side, and then rushing off, it must have been seconds, when we got to the bottom we found her purse had been stolen. She also had a backpack on, for that reason I now always buy crossbody bags
This is a tip I found out about while I was in Hong Kong many years ago in places with lots of people wear your backpack on the front of your body
I know it sounds silly though it really is the only best option to prevent theft!!
kitty88uk Doesn’t sound silly, it’s sensible! I have done this on occasions where crowded. I was only in supermarket for a little while and don’t usually wear on my back but hook on trolley. This was a short stop basket shop so kept on my back. Normally it would be fine, most people are just getting their own groceries. These 2 women caught my attention as they were causing a scene which seemed a bit odd to me saying the same things over again, didn’t seem natural. Now I know why!
This is one of the reasons I don't wear backpacks, it's too easy for someone to steal something when you aren't looking. I'm always very aware of my bag and anyone who is too close to me.
I use a backpack easier for carrying shopping but I keep aware of who's around me and don't let people get close. When shopping in a supermarket it's best to take it of and hang it on the front of the trolley.
So sorry but glad you was on the ball I'm fed up of telling my daughter to take her purse outta her pram hood and carry a bag over her shoulder it's much safer when you put the bag in front of you
Glad you are ok and nothing was taken, but its the invasion of your personal space. People have no shame these days
It’s a bad thing to happen but thinking positively at least they didn’t get anything and now you will be more aware in the future.
Lowest of the low targeting the elderly & vulnerable, I always watch out especially in crowds..
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