patsylabrador Posted December 18, 2012 Share Posted December 18, 2012 You're all on the ball but I want to share this anyway. I was in a shopping mall early on Sunday so it was quiet and I was on an upper floor, people watching. I could see a young woman, teenage sitting with all her bags around her. I could also see two becapped youthswatching her and it looked like they were talking about her. I didn't like their demeanor and I admit I didn't like how they were dressed. They just looked like trouble. They split, one observing and one approached the girl. This is what they do, one grabs the bag, hands it to the waiting youth and then they split. I was so worried that she was going to be robbed that I took a photo. The girl though obviously had the same thoughts and quickly got up and walked towards a more crowded area. After though I wondered if I had over-reacted but on talking to policey people, my instincts were right. I was thinking about all your kids out there doing their shopping and being watched, possibly targeted. I'm not wishing to scaremonger but think everyone should be aware and just had to tell you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted December 18, 2012 Share Posted December 18, 2012 Thanks for that PL, had a similar conversation yesterday with one of our beat team. The latest around here is to nick cars which are left running (with the keys in ) to defrost, or stealing veg boxes off doorsteps. Toe rags! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chickencam Posted December 18, 2012 Share Posted December 18, 2012 Good call, it does no harm to remind people that not everyone is feeling festive out there. I am very careful when shopping, always keep my handbag pulled round the front or under my arm and I am careful what I have visible bag wise. For example when I bought a mobile phone recently I put the bag at the bottom of another bag under a boring looking bag, a bag with the name of a mobile phone shop must be a target as would be bags from jewellers etc. I would rather keep it than flaunt it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted December 18, 2012 Share Posted December 18, 2012 Good call Liz Wasn't Brent Cross by any chance was it PL? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
patsylabrador Posted December 18, 2012 Author Share Posted December 18, 2012 No, Westfield Shepherd 's Bush. I'd gone to see The Hobbit. That little incident brought me back down to earth to be sure. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
snowberry Posted December 18, 2012 Share Posted December 18, 2012 It does no harm to be reminded I used to watch the Real Hustle & it's amazing how easily caught out you can be Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saronne Posted December 18, 2012 Share Posted December 18, 2012 Sorry if I seem thick, but I'm not sure I followed this post. Had the girl been robbed? You said you thought she had the same thoughts as you and moved to a more crowded area. Does that mean she avoided having her bags pinched? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
patsylabrador Posted December 18, 2012 Author Share Posted December 18, 2012 Yes, she avoided being robbed. She removed herself to a safer place. A friend of OH felt he was targeted in the same way at a bus stop. Same method and they probably thought he was a vulnerable old geezer but he was an ex Sgt and guessed what they were up to. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
craftyhunnypie Posted December 18, 2012 Share Posted December 18, 2012 If you are travelling to relatives this Xmas, don't leave wrapped up presents on show in the car - whilst you have your ' wee stop'! I know it sounds common sense, but there are some undesirable people about who love their Xmas looting. Be careful & keep safe everyone. Emma.x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
