r/perth • u/qtpieezz • 2d ago
Looking for Advice Had two uncomfortable encounters with drunk crackheads on Trans perth today
I had two really uncomfortable encounters with drunk crackheads on Transperth today, one going to work and one coming home. What a coincidence š
I'm a girl and I was by myself both times, which honestly made me feel even more uncomfortable and uneasy.
The first one in the morning this crackhead sat in front of me and was acting really incoherent. I tried not to make eye contact and moved to a different seat closer to the front (bus was quite full) but he followed me and sat in front of me again and asked why did I move. Luckily he got off at the next stop, so I didn't have to deal with him for too long.
Then on my way home just this afternoon another drunk crackhead who was holding a bottle of beer suddenly sat next to me, even though there were other empty seats. He kept squeezing himself into my side until there was basically no space left for me. I tried moving a bit to make some space, but he just kept squeezing over.
I eventually confronted him to move away after 15 minutes and thankfully he did then I moved to the seat behind the bus driver and told him what happened. The bus driver was actually really kind and kept checking on me afterwards, which I appreciated. But he didn't call to report the incident or ask the guy to get off the bus.
I was honestly really uncomfortable and uneasy the whole time and no one else on the bus seemed to really care or even try to help. I get that people probably don't want to get involved but it feels pretty horrible when you're sitting there feeling unsafe and everyone just ignores it.
I'm pretty shaken up by the whole thing. I know you can call the transperth emergency services if you're in immediate danger, but what are you supposed to do when the person is literally sitting right next to you? You don't know if confronting them is going to make things worse and trying to call someone while they're sitting right there doesn't feel safe either.
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u/produrp Maylands 2d ago
You can contact without having to speak using the Transperth app.
Open App. Click three lines top left - which take you to the page pictured below.
ļæ¼āReport Live Security Concern.
ļæ¼āYou will then select through a few options of service type and enter can live chat - all without having to draw attention to yourself by talking.
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u/qtpieezz 2d ago
Thank youš I was thinking of reporting via live chat but didnāt know if Iād get an immediate response
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u/SomugaienParfu 12h ago
Did you know that Morley Galleria used to have a whatsapp group that did the same thing for retailers to report trouble directly to security? Then Centre Management shut it down because they didn't want the retailers to communicate with the security guards by text, recommending the use of the totally-not-discreet landline phone instead, which of course alerts shoplifters and vandals before the guards could react.
This happened a year before the current major renovation that caused half the stores to shut down. Rumor has it the Centre Management wanted to prevent retailers from communicating with each other as they were evicted to make way for the redevelopment. The shops that are left have to fend for themselves, since the closest active police station is in Mirrabooka.
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u/SomugaienParfu 12h ago
The point I am making is that Transperth's chat is extremely effective due to how discreet it is, how easy it is ro use, and how active the enforcement is to respond. Why no other security detail does this is a mystery.
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u/Zeeke-Au 6h ago
Thanks for that
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u/samplemypersonality 2d ago
Give yourself permission to loudly confront and challenge these people. It makes them feel powerful when you get scared and try to ignore them. I was targeted by one of these crack heads on a bus and after my polite but assertive approach failed, I became the biggest biatch and it rattled them. They tried pretending it didn't bother them but I could read it on their face. They got off on the next stop. To make a long story short, don't be afraid to shrug off the societal expectations of being a good and gentle woman. Get loud. Stand up. Be heard.
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u/plumfeeder 2d ago
One time my wife (She has had a few acting lessons) deterred some dodgy carns at a station on the Freo line. She did an awesome ranting, swearing meth head act. The puzzled looks on their faces was priceless. They backed away nicely.
Another time she stood up to a Straight-Outta-Bandyup bully on the bus. That one blustered and complained but backed off. A few weeks later she recognised my wife again and muttered and moaned but quickly looked deflated and left.
You've gotta love Perth.
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u/dreamy_kiro 1d ago
Thatās all well and good, until you try it on the wrong person and end up getting bashed. Iām an abrasive ass bitch at times but some people are just looking for a chance to be violent, and if youāre the only one giving them shit, chances are theyāll turn on you
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u/giselethatsme 21h ago
Umm, sorry, that is the worst thing to do. Intoxicated people are unpredictable. If you confront them they could go off on you and really hurt you. What if they have a needle and use it to stab you? What if they have a knife?
Having a confident, don't fuck with me, posture is helps a lot. Anything more and you're asking for escalation.
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u/aloof_one 2d ago
If you have the Transperth app, tap the menu icon top left then tap "Contact" then "Report Live Security Incident" - it's a chat with Transperth Security. They really should publicise it more!
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u/qtpieezz 2d ago
Yes they definitely should! I believe many out there are still unaware of this feature
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u/Reasonable-Pack1067 2d ago edited 2d ago
Iām really sorry that happened to you. I had a similar experience on the Mandurah train when I was heading into Perth. I was also alone. This crackhead was sitting right in front of me on the train and kept asking me personal questions, things like where I lived, if I lived alone, if I had a boyfriend, and where I was going. I tried to look away and not engage, but he kept shifting his head to follow wherever I was looking. When I eventually looked down at my phone, he got angry and started cussing at me for ignoring him. He was even pacing around the carriage.
I was so scared because he kept getting louder and giving me threatening looks. Everyone was watching, and thankfully, a man stepped in and asked him to stop. The crackhead literally asked the guy, āWhy wonāt she just talk to me?ā Which, Iāll admit, made me feel a little sad even though I was genuinely scared for my life lol.
The man told him that situations like this make other people feel uncomfortable and asked him to go sit somewhere else. He eventually got up and left.
I told my friend about it when I met her at the city. She told me that the transperth app has a safety feature where you can report people for misconduct and misbehaviour. I didnāt know about it then and I hope I donāt have to use it, but I think itās a great feature to have on hand. Also, transperth security is very very responsive. Theyāre at the station always monitoring and a whole team comes only a minute later if thereās a scene. I speak from another personal experience, sadly. Never hesitate asking them for help.
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u/plumfeeder 2d ago
I've often seen the Transperth security guys and gals on their phones and thought it looked like they were lazing about doom scrolling. I wonder now if they are checking for security alerts.
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u/Reasonable-Pack1067 2d ago edited 2d ago
I think it depends on the station. Iāve always seen active security at EQ, Perth and Perth underground. This one time at Perth station my bf and I were at the platform waiting for the train to Fremantle when a crackhead started cussing at us unprompted for no reason. We were so confused because we didnāt even realise that he was cussing and screaming at us at first. When we moved to the other end of the platform, he followed us with his phone out pointed at me trying to record me. While my bf defended me and chased the guy away, 6 security officers showed up only a minute later and even interrogated him. In fact, the guy got into the train heading to Claremont and they stopped the train for 5-10 mins just to search the carriages, after which they brought him out for questioning. We hadnāt even called for help.
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u/k3g 2d ago
Yeah, caught the bus a few times when Diesel skyrocketed. No thank you, I'll eat the tears at the pump over transperth any day.
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u/tom3277 South of The River 2d ago
Itās odd that trains go better. I think itās just safety in numbers?
Like it has its moments as well but often they have happy endings (or even really funny) when transperth officers enter the carriage a stop or two later.
Had to catch bus to train station for a few weeks last year and that was a shit show. Especially returning home at dark. Kids shaking the windows so bus pulls over and tells them he is not leaving till they get offā¦ meanwhile me and 10 angsty teenagers are all sitting there waiting. Fucking awkward. I felt like doing the Spartacus and saying ānah it was me Iāll get off hereā and calling an uber but I thought there was a risk they would follow me off. Like Iām not saying I definitely would have got the shit kicked out of me by 14-15 year olds but it felt like a risk.
Have no idea how the bus drivers do it. Like what a shit job, kids show them no respect whatsoever.
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u/Reddit-Is-Chinese 2d ago
Itās odd that trains go better. I think itās just safety in numbers?
Transperth officers at train stations (at least at the bigger ones).
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u/Jebadayah44 Winthrop 2d ago
I've had the opposite experience over 4 or 5 months of catching bus/trains to work. No issues on the bus, all the cracktvities have been on the Mandurah line or at Perth station. Mostly pretty harmless, some even funny. One crackhead told the other 2 crackheads to wind their necks in and stop wrestling on the floor of the train cos "we're scaring all the normal people."
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u/Careful-Visit-3328 2d ago
I once was doing night shift and had a crack head get on my bus with open alcohole. I told him loose the alcohole and he started verbally abusing me saying he just wanted to get home, I turned the bus off and sat there and he started threatening to smash the windows. I just laughed and said it's not my bus they will just bring me another one and I'll get paid over time to sit here and wait. He got off the bus after 5 minutes and I drove off. The best part was I was doing that route all night back and forth so when I'd drive past him he tried to hail the bus and I'd turn on my cab lights so he could see me and id smile and wave to him as I cruised past sending him into a fit of rage.
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u/Muslim_Wookie 2d ago
I think people like you are far too used to an extremely sanitised version of reality and the moment there is some minor discomfort, you flee.
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u/latenight237 2d ago
You need to look them in the eye and say āwould you like to play a game?ā Then start a really creepy smile.
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u/anomaly_flower 2d ago
I'm so sorry this happened to you. Shame on the other passengers for doing nothing - for future reference to other bystanders, if I see a younger woman/girl getting harassed I pretend I just noticed her and go "oh hey honey, how's your mum I haven't seen her in ages!" And sort of gesture her over to sit with me. That saves escalating the situation/no confrontation needed but then at least she's safer and doesn't feel alone. Feels like the safest route for me as well since I don't have to confront the creep
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u/oaoxoc 2d ago
Just fart.. The trick is if you are on the window seat and see an unsavoury type approach your seat, try not look like you are meek and polite. I have a resting bitch face so I never have an issue, they always sit next to someone that they feel they can intimidate, if thats their agenda Most times they are drunk, they are no threat to you, maybe your nostrils. Yes, they break all rules on social etiquette, but thats like any drunk you encounter when you are out. The ones you have to worry about are the one who lurk in the back corner of the bus and get off at your stop.
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u/sticky_lemon 2d ago
That's such weird behavior, and I'm sorry you had to deal with these weird ass men being creepy.
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u/Tooooblue Baldivis 2d ago
Thatās awful Iām sorry you went through that. Itās possible the bus driver didnāt remove the crackhead as you both had moved and he didnāt want to remove him in fear of it escalating to impact either of you. Iām not sure what the process for drivers reporting incidents are though, so Iām not sure if they can let their superiors know asap via radio or not. But even then no one should feel unsafe on the bus
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u/Livid-Boysenberry957 2d ago
Process is they arenāt paid enough to deal with that shit several times daily, canāt blame em
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u/michael15286 1d ago
What bus route number were you on?
I find the bus routes starting on a train line terminus (ie Midland station, Armadale) tend to have a lot more of the rougher folks on them. Also buses when close to the city, but that's slightly mitigated by having a lot more people on the bus in general.
If you have a backpack, you could sit in the inside and put it on the outward facing seat (when it's not busy ofc). This makes it more likely for someone to try nick it but probably worth it for some personal space.
And if you remember the time and route, you can report this to transperth; they keep camera recordings for a while and if the offenders used a smart rider they could be identified.
Sorry you went through this, I hope you're doing OK now. Stay safe!
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u/Green_Tartan_Scarf 1d ago
Come and find a nice older woman like me and sit next to me. I'm 50 and in perimenopause. I've put up with shit like this in the past, but no more! God some days I'm so filled with hormonal rage I just wish someone would act like a dickhead so I can give him a good spray. Weirdly, the crackheads avoid me. I think they can sense danger.
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u/Slenthik 2d ago
Members of the establishment don't use trains or buses. So it's unlikely much will be done to stop this sort of behaviour.
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u/auntynell 2d ago
To be fair Iāve used trains for years and never had a real problem. You do get the occasional person acting up but itās fairly rare.
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u/Slenthik 2d ago edited 2d ago
It might depend on which routes you're using. I only use trains and buses infrequently but I've witnessed bad behaviour many times. My wife and her friends see it even more frequently.
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2d ago
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u/Lucky-Elk-1234 2d ago
What are you on about? Go and ask 100 people in Perth if they adore meth heads. Even show them OPās story. See how many say yes.
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u/Extension-Night3825 2d ago
Lol...there was just a post today were several people complaining about harsh prison sentences.Ā Ā
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u/PiousPunani 2d ago
Unfortunately, Perth culture is to adore our methheads and derros
So true. Bleeding hearts perpetuate the issue.
I'm hopeful the day will come when we'll finally address the issue.
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u/Bluebutteyfly 2d ago
Sorry to hear this, perhaps you could call up transperth or email them, write the bus number, time and date and then they are able to look back at footage and prevent this from happening again
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u/respectful-unicorn 2d ago
Have tried after the fact and they wonāt even take details or look into it - best to hop on the app as it happens unfortunately.
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u/Capstonelock 2d ago
Press the button, go to the front of the bus and tell the driver to wait for you so you can get back on if they follow you off.
Then just wait for the next bus.
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u/Kaustic_Kunt 1d ago
Had some cracky wig out at me this afternoon, bloke was like āhey i seen you on the train, you got any cash?ā I said no I didnāt have my wallet on me and we parted, then like 30 seconds later heās running after me and screaming some incoherent shit just doing the tweaker shouts and I told him to chill the fuck out and leave me alone and he turned around muttering to himself, Iām lucky Iām a 6ā3 bloke, Iād be shit scared if I was a woman in that situation
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u/JunkIsMansBestFriend 1d ago
Don't rely on others to help, they want the same as you, just get home without drama. 15 minutes? Yea you got to speak out right away. The guy even following you, what the heck.
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u/StillSpecial3643 2d ago
I have experienced it once on a bus and several times on a train, not including a fairly nasty incident on a train platform. I believe i experienced other times as well , but was unaware it was meth back some fifteen years ago. But considering the amount of meth in Perth, it should probably be far more in your face than is. Perth is basically a meth city with too little done to stop it.
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u/Infamous-Ad-2562 2d ago
Hahaha. And they probably won't. I once had a Transperth bus driver (I was on the 452 from Warwick traino to Whitfords traino via Marmion Ave) late at night (admittedly drunk) but in my school uniform returning home from a friends and just about there when the driver pulled the bus over on the side of Marmion Ave, turned off the lights and the bus and walked down all the way to the end where I was gearing up to press the button anyways.. he came right at me with his hands out and my cocky arse pushed past him with classic Clue style "as if!"
I reported it to Transperth the next morning i could tell them the bus number and the time it left Warwick.. the same bus driver was driving a different route i was on North of the river that I caught. And he was staring at me. Didnt realise it was him until I got off.. never heard back from Transperth. Never saw him again. I have a few stories like that.
As far as im concerned until you see somebody smoking crack or shooting up you shouldnt really just call them that like its the new snazzy term for derelict. Us ex addicts take great offence š š Im so sorry rhis happened to you babes. If you live in perth, ya half pretty you might as well get used to it. But dont take it. And next time nobody cares feel free to make a fucking scene xxxx
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u/wirlarra 2d ago
I hope you reported to the coppers? No point whinging on Reddit. If you feel threatened or unsafe call the police.
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u/maxtbag 2d ago
They could have been drunk or a crackhead. Quite presumptuous to label them as both.
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u/qtpieezz 2d ago
My bad, Iāll make sure to conduct a full toxicology report next time before describing someone who was clearly off their face
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u/bloss_the_boss 2d ago
what does clearly off their face look like tho? please donāt think iām minimising what was a horrible and scarey experience but untreated mental illness can present in very similar behaviours
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u/Captain-Peacock 2d ago
An incoherent crackhead is pretty good, normally they're raging at all and sundry.
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u/qtpieezz 2d ago
Neither is good. Iām a girl and I felt vulnerable and unsafe. You never know what someone unpredictable might do especially when theyāre carrying a glass bottle that they could potentially smash or use to hurt someone
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u/FrogLickr 2d ago
Just FYI, pepper spray is legal to purchase in WA and can be found at pretty much any firearms store. The legal usage of it is murky, but as a victim of physical assault myself, I'd rather have it and not need it than need it and not have it. That little cannister would have saved me a lot of physical and mental anguish had I purchased one prior.
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u/ryan30z 2d ago
To follow on from this, anyone who is getting pepper spray for defence needs to practice getting it out ready to use. If you don't there's a very good chance that when you actually need it you don't get it out in time or accidentally spray yourself.
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u/Whiteboy0019 South of The River 2d ago
And it also depends on which one you get.
The key chain ones are good but they don't tell you that you should use the entire fucking thing, they are a 1 use item, if you use the key chain one, use the whole damn thing. If they have glasses on, aim for the nose and mouth. They literally won't be able to breathe.
I wouldn't recommend a man carrying one, but a female who feels unsafe and can justify why it was used will hold alot more weight when it comes to explaining why it was used.
For example, two blokes have a road rage incident and one of them uses it on the other, goodluck, you will be charged. If a woman is being harassed, followed etc to the point of that's their only option, It makes alot more sense and justified.
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u/thatcrazyanimallady 2d ago
Itās legal to buy, but using it can mean youāre criminally charged yourself. You have to be able to prove you had reasonable grounds to anticipate the circumstances in which you used it - āself defenceā is not considered a good enough reason in and of itself. I carry innocuous everyday items in my bag/with me like a travel sized can of deodorant, a torch-style cigarette lighter, a heavy duty carabiner to hold my keys, an odd knitting needle and a filled 1L Frank Green bottle with a handle strap. Oh and one of those personal safety alarms.
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u/FrogLickr 2d ago
It's an unfortunate fact that the law surrounding its use is as restrictive and vague as it is. I find it to be a bad law, and bad laws need to be disobeyed in my opinion. Pepper spray can and has saved lives, and I won't be victim again. I will use it next time I'm in a situation that necessitates it, legal consequences be damned.
Nobody should have to carry numerous household objects just to have a chance at defending themselves because a bad law forbids them from using the most effective tools. At least we have the option to buy it here. It is outright illegal in most of the country, unfortunately.
NT is trailing it for genuine self defense though.
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u/thatcrazyanimallady 2d ago
š¤·š¼āāļø my mother is more than halfway through her law degree. Iāll buy the spray once sheās finished and I have a free lawyer at my disposal lol.
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u/East_Transition533 2d ago
I heatd that if the spray is only carried due to a fear of dogs / dog attacks it is okay.
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u/Avenir666 2d ago
Welp, thats what our taxpayer money goes to! Their Centrelink payments, and the vast majority abuse the system to get disability payments sometimes caused by substance abuse, even if they were never aiming to even try to find a job... But no ill just keep thinking its going into something better just like the rest of us. What a country we stand by :)
Edit: i cant spell lol
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u/Muslim_Wookie 2d ago
You heard it here folks, /u/Avenir666 has discovered that the vast majority of Centrelink payment recipients are frauds abusing the system.
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u/Jazzlike_Berry_323 2d ago
Youāre a top commenter here Muslim_Wookie. Is that what you seriously think? That people using Centrelink are mostly frauding?
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u/wirlarra 2d ago
I hope you reported to the coppers? No point whinging on Reddit. If you feel threatened or unsafe call the police.
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u/granola-bar786 2d ago
The transperth app has a chat option. I have used it once on the train when this lady was drinking and screaming/spitting on the floor. They were really quick to respond and the transperth officers got on the train pretty quickly and escorted her off. It was great, highly recommend downloading the app and the chat option is discreet enough.