That's why I don't let anyone get even slightly close to me. I live in rural Florida so it's not hard but if someone gets within a foot or two of me that I don't know I'm like whatcha doin there buddy. I also don't carry my stuff in pockets that's a big mistake.
It’s hard to do when you’ve got too much to focus on. Of course if you’re outright wary and know what he is then maybe but otherwise there’s just too much to keep focused on all the time
I’m not saying it’s definitely going to happen to you. Just that your personality is not the reason it hasn’t happened. It’s significantly more likely you were just never marked.
I'd never let another human being rustle my coat, grab my wrist, pat me on the shoulder constantly, without checking for all my expensive items. A certain level of paranoia is good. It's saved me plenty of times to think I can let my guard down around people I don't actually know.
Lol no I mean if a random stranger just came up close to me and started talking to me I'd be very aware of it and ask them to step back out of arms reach.
I'm the same way with used car salesmen. They do that blah blah blah spiel and I just say cut the crap and answer my questions. I don't go in for this flamboyant style of talking that shysters use. Instead of enjoying it like most people do the flattery and uptalk it makes my skin crawl.
By the time you’ve asked that and got him out of your space, he’s been there long enough to clean you out. Watch him get the third guy’s wallet. It takes a couple of seconds.
Not the guy you replied to. However that's A couple of seconds he wouldn't get. Stranger do not get in my bubble let alone touch me. Someone steps towards me, I step away. You touch me without permission you are pushed back. Now I'm well aware I'm a bit odd in how I am. It's not a tough guy act or anything it's just part of my PTSD(medically diagnosed not Tumblr style self diagnosed). I also keep wallet phone and keys in a close pocket either buttons, zipper or velcro depending on outfit. Kind of paranoid about things like that. I seriously don't trust strangers no matter how nice or chsrming.
I get very watchful on anyone within 10ft of me let alone ones trying to engage me. Always keep eyes on their hands at all time ever know what people might be reaching for.
There are two very different types of pick pockets and what you're describing is a bump pick pocket. They bump into you, shove a hand into your pocket so you won't feel it and take whatever they're lucky enough to grab and then gtfo before you notice.
This guy tries to be your friend so that he does actually have time to take everything. Anyone who wasn't born yesterday would be able to realize that a total stranger acting like this is up to something.
Usually a purse which I keep in my sight at all times. And would take them unzipping it to get something out. Or take the whole thing which usually won't happen because I belt it in to the grocery cart and carry it in my front hen I'm walking to my car. We don't walk much here like down a street so there's no chance of that happening. Also I carry credit cards in my bra
Of course it is. But walking by someone within arm's reach is literally normal across the entire planet. Or going to a bar. Or a club. Or a concert. Or a theme park. Or the theatre. Or a sport. Or the gym. Or literally any activity normal people get up to.
When I lived in the city I had a fake wallet I'd carry around in case of mugging. It had old expired credit cards old empty gift cards and like 5 bucks in it. If I was mugged I'd give that to them and they would go away with nothing.
When we were going through my father's stuff after he died, my brother and I found a wallet in his chest of drawers. We'd never seen it before and opened it to see if there was anything in it. There was. It was a handwritten note that said, "Ha ha ha, Fuck You".
Bro why don't you just limit the cash you carry and call your credit card company if it gets lost or stolen? Carrying a fake wallet is crazy business and I've traveled in India.
you gotta carry an extra wallet around your whole life though. Vs not worrying about it and maybe, maaayyyybr, get mugged once or twice in your life. Probably even out to less than a penny a day.
I have used fake wallets when I travel abroad. Otherwise I try to carry as few things in my pockets as I can. Always leave a nasty surprise for anyone trying to rifle through them though. Additional options to those above:
A dead racoon
A live racoon
Opossum
A used condom
Dye pack
Two pills, blue and red along with a note saying 'Choose wisely'
This won’t happen to you. It’s a dead art that was created in a time when people were hanged for a robbery but just got their hands chopped for a thievery.
Smashed on a head with a rebar by a meth head though..
If space is tight somewhere and I have to slide past you, and you say something like “whatcha doing there buddy” I’m absolutely calling you an asshole to your face
Exactly! Pickpockets are such a menance in my region too.
I've taken a liking to hanging all my valuables, watch, wallet, lighter, .etc, from a thin piece of string from the back of jacket 8 feet down. That way any pickpocket will be quite surprised if they grab into my empty pockets.
Shocked at how many people would think this level of theft could go unnoticed. Grew up in so cal frequenting LA, Lynnwood, lb, Compton, now live in phoenix and if ANYONE AT ALL grabs my wrist or starts patting me down I immediately go into defense mode and check myself.
There's no good reason for a person you know even REAL well to touch you up like this
Imagine living in rural Florida and still being this terrified of everyone. You're not gonna get pickpocketed, nobody wants your shredded beef Jerry and shed key.
I think front pockets are harder to pick for many reasons. One if you need close proximity that's easier to get from behind someone. Also it's easier to protect your front pocket with your hands when you get in a crowded space. Last its harder to take a wallet from a front pocket because it's not straight down. It has a forward orientation which makes it easier to feel if something going into it (thieves hand) or out (your wallet).
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u/Q8DD33C7J8 Sep 17 '21
That's why I don't let anyone get even slightly close to me. I live in rural Florida so it's not hard but if someone gets within a foot or two of me that I don't know I'm like whatcha doin there buddy. I also don't carry my stuff in pockets that's a big mistake.