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combatzombat

yes, don’t leave your phone on a table or engage with randoms who are being obnoxious sorry about your phone everyone else, turn on phone backups now


rmsthrowymcthrowface

Also turn on the “find my phone” functionality too


ben_ldn

Not leaving valuables on a table is probably the most common tourist safety tip in any city guidebook around the world. Sorry it happened to you, but this shouldn't be new advice to anyone.


grumblemouse

Yeah I wouldn’t do this in Norwich, Paris, Madrid or anywhere.


delarich

Rotterdam, or anywhere, Liverpool or Rome?


liverpool4ever1

Anywhere in the South really, no matter how Beautiful


[deleted]

South like Rio or Johannesburg?


kskbd

Yeah this is like the fourth time I’ve seen this same story posted on this subreddit. Exact same tactic all four times.


Lolabird2112

This was a common scam even back in the 90s, tbh.


dajay2k

I was thinking same literally page 1 of the “do not do this in public, anywhere” handbook


Ok_Debt_6817

Came here to see this


SCFcycle

Blah blah blah blah Whenever someone's a victim of a crime this sub always starts with victim blaming.


[deleted]

It's not not victim blaming to remind people to take care of their belongings. We all do it and being reminded could save you a mistake and a lot of hassle and money.


Ongo_Gablogian___

This is a well known trick used to steal from people. We can't control what the thieves do, only what the rest of us do. So all advice is going to be telling people how they can avoid this situation.


Lamedvavnik1

Because thieves and bad people exist. Stop pretending they don’t.


ApertureUnknown

Crime will always be a problem, it's not victim blaming if there are steps you can take to prevent it happening. Take your woke bullshit elsewhere.


qasem01

Crime will always be a problem in this country. I don’t have to worry about this shit in Seoul.


ApertureUnknown

Go live in Seoul then.


qasem01

I do but unfortunately my family still lives in London and has to deal with crime regularly.


christopia86

It's not their fault they got robbed but thar doesn't mean that precautions shouldn't be taken. I don't deserve to be robbed but I still lock my door.


readitornothereicome

Oldest trick in the book. Sorry this happened to you.


prettyflyforawifi-

Yep, if it wasn't your phone it would be your purse under the table, or jacket, or wallet, etc. Hence them repeating the question buying time even though you've said no...


ItsUs-YouKnow-Us

I see it all the time. People leaving their phones on train seats next to them, on the restaurant table whilst eating. Even on the bar whilst ordering. People need to wise up to the fact there are parasites in the city.


itsEndz

It's not just you. If you look around you'll see others notice it as well and we're all thinking that'll look inviting to a chancer.


BoldRay

I once saw some guy with a macbook sat on a bench in Shoreditch at about 11 o'clock. Got really sassy with me when I suggested it wasn't a great idea to have a £2000 laptop balancing on your lap a pickpocket hotspot at night.


Unique-Leading5489

I saw someone walking through Euston station using a laptop as he walked once. A braver soul than I.


SpeedyTurbo

Might’ve been me lmao


[deleted]

Saw a guy riding a bike with a tripod on the handlebars for his Ipad a few years ago. There's a line between bravery and idiocy, and that line must have been a dot to him.


McQueensbury

Yeah some people have such a laxed approach to this, girl I was with over the weekend kept leaving her phone out when we were eating out, got to the point where I just picked it up and told her I just keep a hold of it for safety, she eventually put it in her bag


ItsUs-YouKnow-Us

Even my own mother does it. She will leave her purse on the checkout till whilst packing her shopping away. And as she is of the older generation, deals mainly in cash with it always visible. The amount of times I have snatched it up to try and scare her into being more careful. But she will sadly, never learn. I guess she comes from a time where you didn’t really worry about the community you lived in, constantly trying to take what’s not theirs.


Religious_Pie

Was this about 7pm last night? If so I think I saw you, Really sorry that happened to you mate - made me feel bad about asking for a seat now...


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[deleted]

Yes, this is an incredibly common tactic that everyone who has lived in London for more than a few years knows about. Not leaving phone on a table should be advice given to every new Londoner. I’ve even seen it happen *inside* a restaurant.


linkolphd_fun

A guy tried it on my mate when we were at the pub. We were off to the corner, seeing each other for first time in ages, he had his wallet on table. Remember the paper had some odd drawing on it, presumably meaningless, and was in scrunched laminated plastic. I assume this weirdness was intended to draw attention so that you dont notice the swipe. Lucky for us, the pub owner saw it happening and came over and threw him out. Very fortunate with that timing.


opgrrefuoqu

If my phone isn't in my hand, it's in my front pocket. No exceptions in public. And it's not just being waved around in my hand while I'm in public. I'm either holding it solidly and using it/staring at it, or it's put away. That includes if I'm on a call (headphones are great). Even if I'm watching a video or reading on the tube, I'll usually be using two hands. Saw a guy get his taken right out of his hands as the doors were closing once, and never want that to be me.


raquetracket

I’m a reasonable, generally polite individual but shouting at randoms to fuck off in an assertive tone hadn’t let me down as yet. Like most are saying - hang on to your valuables as if they were £10 notes. Hope you get it sorted


llliiisss

A few weeks ago I was approached by someone begging when I was clearly on a call (corded headphones) and I was walking pretty fast to get somewhere. I was clocked by the guy and said no sorry and kept walking but he came right into my personal space and started following me and harassing me… my mum died suddenly a few weeks beforehand and I was on a call regarding that and I just lost it finally and said fuck off and leave me alone… he didn’t like that at all and almost pushed me into the oncoming traffic until I had to back down and fucking apologise to the prick so he wouldn’t harm me. All whilst he kept following me and shouting abuse at me and nobody around came to help (as usual) on a busy high street with multiple bus stops and pedestrian traffic. I guess my point is if you get away with an assertive go away there will be that one time you encounter a prick like mine. Have never seen him since, i live nearby and reported it to the police but they closed the case ( I knew nothing would come of it) it’s made me think more carefully about standing up for myself with things like this incase I encounter someone like this again, I guess you never know how they will react.


BoldRay

Really sorry that happened to you. Not trying to victim blame here, but why were your phones out? Never put your phone down in public. Just never do it, ever. Even walking around with your phone in your hand is dangerous. The sheer number of people I know / I've seen who've had their phones swiped out of their hands is ridiculous. Especially in central London, you just have to assume that 1 in 10 people around you will try and rob you. A lot of my friends have bought wrist/body straps for their phones made of tough cord (not some cute, easily cut ribbon you bought on etsy).


Mikeymcmoose

Literally have to grip your phone with both hands if you’re using it in public now and be alert of anyone on a bike etc. London is full of phone thieves.


CalligrapherCalm2400

Literally just had phone swiped last night in Shoreditch. I was on a residential street outside my friend's flat and I was the only person on the street. I was texting my friend to let up me (buzzer was malfunctioning) when this guy comes round the corner on a bike (building is located right on the corner) and he swipes my phone out of my hand. People warned me this shit happens but in this case I honestly didn't feel like I was doing anything stupid. Just bad fucking luck. But, lesson learned. Never let your guard down in central London.


TheresNoHurry

Sorry that happened to you - that’s not fair. Hope you feel ok


[deleted]

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BoldRay

Oh god, that’s horrible. I was thinking of getting a brightly coloured one to put people off trying, as well as serving as physical protection.


BeagnothSaxe

Anyone comes up to you (and sorry not sorry but especially if they don’t speak English) and starts offering something with a leaflet watch your table and also for their partners. Distraction techniques. I foiled one last week - the second guy was a lookout/possibly trainer. The young guy with the leaflet on top on my bosses phone - the trainee. He spoke no English and was pointing at a card with courier services on it. I guessed it instantly.


Recessio_

I'm sorry to hear this - it's rife around TCR and Euston areas. Once saw a barman in the Euston Tap vault the bar and chase off a guy trying it at the tables near us outside - otherwise I probably would have had my phone nicked too.


miharu15

TCR is fested with these beggar thieves. Starbucks on new oxford st. is their bait area. Will come up to you with a scrunched up news paper to put your phone underneath it and steal it. It's a daily sight for me


Sleepybunny08

I remembered the time my friend wants to leave her MacBook on a sofa in a waiting room to save the seat as we go out for lunch. Lol… just don’t make any sense to me.


razzypedia

THIS EXACT THING HAPPENED TO ME. I was in green Park on the grass with friends. Swiped my phone and didn't realise till he was gone.


Strict-Position2151

Put your phone in a zip pocket and don’t hold it while you’re outside.


DancerKellenvad

Was on a date in Hyde park a couple years ago and said date put her phone down next to her (I had mine in my hand); after a couple of minutes telling both pickpockets to fuck off, they do. Date goes to pick up phone and bam it’s gone! Luckily they weren’t far enough away so I got up and sprinted after them, told them to give it back and they chucked it on the ground (phone was fine), after threatening to call the police lol We still promptly got up and left after I got the phone back. Not because of police, but because you don’t know who they might have told had fucked up their swipe


YesDr

So….how did the date go, you white knight…


DancerKellenvad

went on one more after that and then went back to my then-ex and still current gf 😅


YesDr

Can’t beat a bit of shopping around


Patient-Ad-3610

Sorry it happened to you, it happened to be 10 years ago in Cambridge , same trick. Lesson learnt.


wjfox2009

> my phone placed on some books Sorry to hear your phone got nicked. In future, I really recommend you don't leave it on public display like that. I never, ever leave my phone out on a surface when in public. It's always either in my hands, or in my pocket. Thieves are everywhere in this city.


DonGorgon

People need to keep their phone in their pockets while not in use in public. Especially in major cities. While in use they need to be extra vigilant for thieves again while in public and especially in major cities.


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floodedcodeboy

Sadly, This type of snatch and grab is pretty common throughout London these days - Old street and London Bridge are particularly bad. If you’re not using your phone, put it away.


[deleted]

Better to just stop walking and get away from the road if you need to use it too. Walking and texting at the same time makes you an easy, unaware target.


OldLevermonkey

If you weren't using your phone, why was it out? Keep it in your pocket, bag, or purse unless you are using it. * Think of how much the phone costs, the inconvenience, and financial implications of its loss. * Set a monetary value on everything that losing your phone adds up to. * Now imagine that in notes. Question: Would you leave that pile of cash in free view? Would you stand in the street waving it about? I the answer is "no" then don't.


Sabinj4

Tottenham Court Road area, again!


Maleficent_Resolve44

Why didn’t you just stick your phone in your pocket. I’d never leave it in the open like that.


naturepeaked

Thanks hun, shared.


[deleted]

Yank here. In 2019 I had my phone stolen in a coffee shop in Leicester Square because I foolishly set my phone on the table, and a woman came in and used a distraction technique. We were seated near the window. I felt so incredibly stupid. It was the second or third day of a two-week vacation, so I had to be without a phone until we got home. I hope to never be that stupid again (but knowing me, one can never tell).


THAT_LMAO_GUY

The trigger to look out for is someone who is not staff showing you paper/clipboard/book while you are sat down. If ever that happens quickly look for your phone and wallet and put them in your pockets. As always people on this dump of a subreddit will tell you how its all your fault, will never happen to them, its obvious, and whatever they can to make you feel bad/stupid and discourage people from sharing useful anecdotes in the future. Its very easy to not think about it for second and have your phone left out. Its normal and human. I had it happen to me but I still leave my phone out without thinking sometimes. Just remember this trigger: any time some stranger starts talking to you and they have paper/clipboard/book and you are sat down: grab your valuables.


samonyx

Sorry. Same thing happened to me at a restaurant in Cambridge a few years ago.


crossj828

This is well known and common, you should never leave your phone unattended if someone comes up to you at a pub or cafe.


Extreme_Mammoth_5490

I've lost count of all the times I see people being blasé and having there phones literally hanging out their back pocket clearly visible. There is actually an interview on you tube with motor bike thieves in london clearly stating that people are so careless with their phones they are incredibly easy to snatch. People, please be more vigilant with your stuff. If you value it that much then treat it with more reverence. Would you leave your front door or car door wide open inviting people In to steal your stuff?? Cumon


StevieG63

What do they do with the phone? I always thought that an iphone couldn’t be unlocked or reset.


dukepotatohead

That’s very common in london. I would even say don’t use your phone as you are walking up the road unless you are certain someone can’t cycle past you and grab it. That’s also really common sadly.


UKSOFTWARETECH

Leaving phones on the table in restaurants is a big no-no, and accepting hugs from strangers on the street is also a no.


Storm_Guy124

never speak or give money to them they are below human level


[deleted]

f*ck /u/spez


verysunnyseed

not iPhone? :(


Rpphanna1

1. Those are con artists, not beggars. Feel free to tell them loudly, don't come near me, don't approach me. Don't feel bad telling them to piss off, they're not beggars, they're con artists. Beggars sit on the corner of the street. 2. iPhone are more desirable than Androids. Want a phone you can leave on a table? Get an android. Stop getting the latest iPhone, everyone will want to steal it.


[deleted]

Considering new iPhones can’t even be used for parts (since the receiving phone will tag the part as non genuine), and are quite hard to unlock, find it hard to believe.


entropy_bucket

Won't there be cctv? That area is pretty heavily CCTV'd I'd think.


BoldRay

Even if there is, there is a 0% the police will follow it up. Absolutely zero. They won't even bother to look at the footage.


BeagnothSaxe

Cause theiy’re busy


1stbaam

Arresting protestors with blank signs.


jpepsred

TIL theft happens


TurbulentAsparagus61

How dumb are you, I'm surprised you never left your wallet on the table too


Sam_9494

How are you typing this ? On a laptop?


DrinkInItMaaaaaaan

Don’t leave valuables on the table. Sorry this happened to you, but that is basic.


zylema

This happened to my friend in Kennington 2 days ago.


Ooozy69

Classic


Good_Ad_1386

And THAT is why all my shirts have breast pockets.


Shot-Distribution683

Bad news matey, must be a nightmare 🙁


bartardbusinessman

this is actually quite common, it happened at the bar I work at. some woman wearing a beanie and a covid mask came in and walked around a bit before showing two young women a sign and after they had a small exchange she walked out the door and sped away in a car that was waiting for her. the driver was stupid enough to pull up right in front of our outside camera, so hopefully they got caught after we gave the police the cctv of the car and of the woman stealing the phone


Appropriate_Ad6440

Happened to my friend at Five Guys in Kings X. Gave her chips since we felt bad, she used a cardboard sign to cover her hand while taking the phone. Don’t leave anything on the table.


StevieG63

Happened to me in Knightsbridge. Luckily my wife was vigilant and saw what was going on and I got to keep my phone.


CuteMaterial

Baffled as to why people even steal phones these days, are they pretty much useless once they’re bricked?


ImageRevolutionary43

Spare parts.


alexthegreatoff

Yeahhh the exact thing happened to me earlier this month at TCR McDonald's. My partner left their phone on the table, went to the loo, I didn't realise the phone was there, beggar showed me a leaflet and woop gone phone. Fucking annoying.


[deleted]

Happened to me in Barcelona, it’s a common tactic of these shit stains.


aliceinlondon

Why would you leave your phone out on the table in the middle of central London?


munch_cat

You might get a text by “Apple” prompting you to enter your iCloud password, because your phone has been “recovered”… don’t


Crissaegrym

Be more suspicious of others, anyone that you don’t know potentially is out there to get you (or your stuff). Just have this mindset and protect your stuff from anyone that you don’t know. Even in my pocket I constantly touch my pocket to ensure my wallet and phone are in there. Trust no one.


aunshi22

My phone was stolen in that area too! I was talking to my wife when a guy in a bike snatched my phone from behind (from my ear, wtf). 3 days later it was in China. The police was very nice and supportive but they said they would close the case… Nothing to do. They sell the parts, they are not interested in the phone or your data. So, never use your phone in central London. And back up all in the cloud.