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.
Yikes!
Comment by Richard — May 31, 2013 @ 9:16 am
Would it help to involve the police? Or aren’t you in the US these days?
Comment by Mom — May 31, 2013 @ 2:55 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?
Comment by Donna — May 31, 2013 @ 9:13 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.
Comment by Daryl — May 31, 2013 @ 10:28 pm
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.
Comment by Don — June 1, 2013 @ 8:31 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.
Comment by Daryl — June 1, 2013 @ 8:52 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.
Comment by Daryl — June 1, 2013 @ 9:18 am
Thanks for reminding me. I didn’t load Dropbox on it yet. I recommend Dropbox on all of your devices.
Comment by Don — June 1, 2013 @ 10:11 am