Was a victim of pickpocketing at Petaling street/Chinatown. A woman (plump Malay carrying a big haversack) bumped into me n walked on slowly. Did not immed suspect (big mistake) but instinct told me to check my bag. Realised my digicam was missing, n still went to check inner compartment thou i was quite sure i put it in outer compartment. Called out to my friend just a dist away n then saw a slit in my bag. Fren then said a woman brushed past her leg n picked up sth black (my cam pouch), but it was at night n she din see properly either. Moreover the woman's bag was open, so she assumed the woman dropped the thing. Overall a bad incident that could have been avoided but we were both too stunned.
Points to note that will make u less susceptible to pickpocketers:
1. Pickpocketters are usu NOT SOLO. The one that bumped into me IS NOT THE SAME ONE as the one that picked up the cam, cause me and my friend saw different women walking away in different directions. the former can walk away casually cuz she is NOT THE ONE with ur stuff!
2. DO NOT carry a cloth bag that can be easily slit (i was carrying lesportsac, dumb)
3. BEST DO NOT carry a bag at all. Stuff money, phone etc in ur pockets (tight around your legs). Bring MINIMAL
4. Beware of ANYONE that bumps into you or distracts you
6. DO NOT be alone at any point of time
7. Wear plain n conservative (tees n berms or jeans)
8. Never go after your shopping trip elsewhere. Chinatown at night has good atmosphere n bargains but go after a trip to the hotel to set down ur things
9. scream if ur instint tells u to! sounds dumb, but better be safe than sorry. the pickpocketers may be taken aback n drop the stuff or try to run, which we'll know to give chase. of course, if u meet a guy pickpocketer, not so wise. Afterall ur life is more important.
This is not meant to deter you from going Chinatown, but just be extra careful..i'm sadder at the loss of my photos stored inside than the loss of the camera! dun let it happen to u!
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on Jan 2, 2008
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