General Chat

Sadly true Ann. What an awful experience for you Chrissie, but so glad they didn't get away with your cash.

Another reminder that we have to be aware of people around us at all times when we're out and about :-(

It may help to put small bells on the inside of ones pockets or bag....just a thought

you were so lucky and no wonder you're shaken up - I hope you reported it to the police and that they will follow it up - they were probably East Europeans and not wishing to damn a whole nation, the Romanians seem to be the main culprits in these kind of crimes

I've been having a look online at handbags as I shall be buying one tomorrow. It will certainly have a full zip and hopefully a flap that goes over the top.

Because I hate any type of shopping I just go into town, get what I need and back home again, I never pay attention to who is around me. Looks like that will have to change. The worst feeling is knowing that they were probably following me until they felt the time was right. It's certainly knocked my confidence for going into town on my own.

Chris

I rarely have any money, purse or envelope, where it can be seen or snatched.

I have had my wallet stolen, in a coffee shop, out of my shopping bag, which I had not zipped up after removing the book I wanted to read.

The bag was half hidden under my skirt, and I still didn't feel anything. I lost credit cards, ID and cash


I walk with a cane, and now use a cross body bag, with the bag always at the front, never the side or pushed round the bag. The bags I use either have zippers OR a flap that comes over the top of the bag.

I do sometimes wear a sort of back pack, but the zipper to the main section is quite difficult to see, and to open.


I am horrified at the number of women I see around, on the streets and in stores, who walk around with their handbags open, and purses in full view. I've seen so many put their open handbags in the small section of a grcoery store trolley .............. then turn away from the trolley, or even walk from it!

They often hang about in banks a pretence of fumbling in their bags but a watchful eye on whats going on then follow their victim till the time is right.....they are a bloody menace.glad no harm was done,

if they make that a regular haunt they will soon get caught.

then people moan about CCTV invading their space.......

THank goodness you spotted her...just shows how careful you have to be.
Was a terrible shock though.

Thanks.

I was lucky in the fact that I felt her go in my bag, those who are better at this type of theft can do it without the victim feeling anything.

Police were there very quickly and thankfully there was a camera directly above where I was stood. CCTV showed the women walking towards the machines but did not cover the theft itself as I was directly underneath it. Hopefully now security have also seen the cctv, they can be aware of these two scum.

Chris

Bloody hell Chris how awful.

I have seen some TV programmes re the same type of theft and the groups are very well organised.

You were extremely lucky to have got your money back but I understand just how upsetting this was.

Sue x

What a horrible thing to happen. I'm glad you were able to get your money back.

Maybe it was picked up on CCTV, tell the police.

Today has been a day I wouldn't like to go through again.

I went into town to withdraw a considerable amount of money which I am lending my son until the end of the month so that he can purchase a car. The cashier put the cash into an envelope before handing it to me. After visiting a couple of small shops I went back to the Westfield shopping centre where I had parked my car. Whilst putting the coins into the ticket machine I felt my handbag being jostled. I immediately looked in my handbag and the envelope had gone. I felt so sick. Right behind me was a young woman and I spotted my envelope partly hidden between her elbow and her body. I immediately snatched the envelope back and another woman who was stood by the ticket machine said something (in another language) to the woman who had stolen my money. They both then fled,

I can't believe how badly this has affected me. I was shaking and felt so sick. An elderly couple using the next machine heard me shout and came to my aid.

It turned out I was their second victim. Their first, had seen the woman put her hand in her bag so they got nothing from her.

So ladies, when out shopping please be aware of who is around you and think about how secure your handbag is. I am now going to buy one that has a zip all the way across the top.

Chris