Pick pockets and bicycle thieves are the lowest of the low in the non-violent crime category. These thieves should have their hands cut off like is done in Saudi Arabia (not serious, but I am a bit emotional after being picked myself). In a matter of mili-seconds they can mess up your vacation and turn your life upside down. If you’re in a foreign country and you so happen to become a victim of a pick pocket, don’t look for any justice or help from the police. There’s not much they can do for you other than tell you to be more careful. While the police make it seem like it was your fault for getting pickpocketed, they are fully aware of who these thieves are and are virtually helpless in breaking up these gangs. It’s about as futile as fighting the Hydra – a ferocious snake-like monster with multiple heads, one of which was immortal, and the rest of which would spawn multiple new heads if destroyed.
Pick pockets rarely work alone. They usually work in groups of three. One person is on the lookout, one is there to distract you, and the last one comes in to pick your pocket. They are professionals and not to be trifled with. Violence is really not heir thing, but I imagine they are all well prepared to respond violently if they have been caught or feel threatened. On Tuesday, March 12th at approximately 2:30pm, I became the victim of a pick pocket in Athens on the metro ride between the airport and the center. Athens Metro is #2 in the world where people mention pickpockets. The worst part about it all is that I saw it coming and they still picked my wallet right out of my front pocket to add insult to injury.
Everything seemed off with these dudes from the get go. These guys were overly dressed like tourists and were wearing N95 masks. While waiting for the door to open on the metro at the Kerameikos metro stop with my luggage and travel bag, I could feel someone pushing me from behind (the distraction). When the door finally opened, everyone poured out and I knew right then and there that my pocket was picked. They took the money and dropped my wallet immediately on the metro platform. A woman saw where they dropped my wallet and quickly brought it to me. All the money was gone. Only 40 euros was taken so I got off cheap. The thing that irks me to no end is that this is the first time I traveled from the airport to the center in Athens without using my anti-theft Eagle Creek wallet. I put all my valuables in the wallet, pass it through my belt loop and tether it to me body. Everyone needs to invest the $13.95 and get one if they’re planning on traveling through Europe.
Lesson learned! I will always have my items tethered to me and be aware of my surroundings. I will remind myself that these pickpockets are getting to be more cavalier and brazen since nothing really ever happens to them if they get caught. There’s also a chance that things could get violent so the best way to avoid a situation is to not be there. In short, don’t make yourself available to pickpockets. I guess this is the part where I listen to the police and be more careful next time.
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