Hey ,
Back in the summer holidays, I was on the train to work.
The train driver gave a lovely talk, almost like the captain on an aeroplane. She welcomed us on board, told us that it should be a delay-free trip, but then added a warning about keeping watch over our things so they didn't get stolen.
I really didn't think much about the warning.
About the same time, I saw a sign in a station, again warning of thieves. The warning listed six things that thieves might do to focus your attention on something while they take things from you.
One example is the false tourist, who looks at a map with you. You end up holding the map. While you're looking at it, they take things from your bag or pocket.
Then there is the person who spills coffee or something on you. As they apologise and help to try and clean your clothes, your money disappears.
I thought the way they had named the different thieves and the little pictures they had created of each one was clever.
All that was months ago.
The other day, I saw a lady by a ticket machine. She asked for help, so I stopped to see what I could do.
She was very thankful and got me focussed on the screen. As she pressed the buttons, she reached and touched my hand, which felt really weird!.
Then the moment. The ticket she wanted cost more money than she had - could I help?
Oh, so that was the problem.
I stood back a bit. Before I answered, I noticed a young guy, about fourteen years old, standing near me on the other side. That didn't feel good.
Maybe it was totally OK. He could have been a regular person just looking at what was happening - I don't know.
And I didn't wait to find out. My gut feeling (1) said to get out of there.
Sorry if it sounds bad, but I didn't give the lady money.
So, , keep on the look-out! Let me know if you've ever had something taken by a petty thief (2).
Stay alert (3)!
Andrea
(1) gut feeling - feeling in my stomach
(2) petty thief - 'small time' thief. Someone who picks pockets (takes things out of your pocket) or steals goods from a shop. Not someone who takes something big (like a car).
(3) alert - eyes wide open, watching what's happening in case there's a problem
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