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Pocket Picked

May 31st, 2013 · 8 Comments

I had my phone stolen out of my pocket on a crowded subway in Paris today. In one moment I lost my:
– Phone
– GPS
– Kindle library
– Flashlight
– Camera
– Video camera
– Translator
– Encyclopedia
– Trip advisor
– Calendar
– Contact list
– Email

and more that I can’t even think of right now.

I was getting on the subway when the person behind seemed to be pushing unrealistically against me. I turned to look at him after boarding, but he just seemed to want to avoid eyes. He quickly got off at the next stop. It was a few minutes later that I reached for my phone and felt that sinking feeling.

There are signs everywhere to beware of pickpockets, and I thought I was being careful, but I guess I was no match for an expert.

I have software on the phone to help me remotely locate it and/or wipe it, but it hasn’t shown up yet. I’ll keep looking. Even if I don’t get it back, I’d like to delete my data.

It could have been worse. My wallet or passport or wife would be a lot harder to replace.

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8 responses so far ↓

  • 1 Richard // May 31, 2013 at 9:16 am

    Yikes!

  • 2 Mom // May 31, 2013 at 2:55 pm

    Would it help to involve the police? Or aren’t you in the US these days?

  • 3 Donna // May 31, 2013 at 9:13 pm

    I had my purse stolen in Alaska, so I have an inkling of what you are experiencing. I had to keep reminding myself my loved ones were safe and that was most important, but it was still a hard thing to get over. Will you get something new before coming home, or wait until you get back?

  • 4 Daryl // May 31, 2013 at 10:28 pm

    I went to the police, and they were sympathetic, but there isnt much they can do. I did have the mobile phone company cancel the line so they can’t use ny credit, but that is a small gesture.

    I will probably order another phone just like it so it will be home waiting when I get there.

    Fortunately this was just before we rented a car so I knew to get one with GPS, instead of depending on my phone’s.

  • 5 Don // Jun 1, 2013 at 8:31 am

    Oh man does that suck.

    It’s amazing how much we have come to rely on our smart phones in such a short time.

    You should look at the S4 or the HTC One as a replacement.

  • 6 Daryl // Jun 1, 2013 at 8:52 am

    The S4 and HTC 1 look like great phones, but the Nexus 4 is so much cheaper (without contract). I could have one stolen and buy a new one for the price of one of the others.

  • 7 Daryl // Jun 1, 2013 at 9:18 am

    By the way, I strongly recommend Dropbox on your phone, set to automatically upload pictures. Without it I would have lost all the pictures I took on the trip.

  • 8 Don // Jun 1, 2013 at 10:11 am

    Thanks for reminding me. I didn’t load Dropbox on it yet. I recommend Dropbox on all of your devices.

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