Crime is a sad reality of the society we live in, regardless of the reason the crime was committed. Theft of private property, driven by either lust for a product that one can’t purchase due to financial reasons or because said stolen item will be sold to a third party for pocket money to be used on drugs, prostitues, consumer electronics, or any combination of the three, is a particularly common occurrence. In Paris 75% of the 991 violent crimes that took place in October happened because of mobile phone theft. The French thieves are picky too, opting to swipe expensive smartphones versus your run of the mill sub 100 Euro Nokia. “Almost one in every two thefts on public transport now concerns a mobile telephone, while ‘classic’ wallet or purse thefts represent only 33 percent of incidents,” Paris Police Chief Michel Gaudin told a city council meeting.
Here are some tips: Get a case for your device. Not just any case either, but the most hideous thing you can find. If you’re going to hide your 600 Euro smartphone from the public eye, you may as well do it in a 5 Euro poorly constructed knock off with cartoon characters drawn on the front versus a 300 Euro leather Guci iPhone holder. Next, get a wrist watch. Think about why you whip out your phone most of the time. Isn’t it to check the time? Buy yourself a 20 Euro Casio. It’s retro, it’s accurate, it’ll keep you from showing off. Finally, be aware of who is around you. See someone who looks like they’re a criminal? Don’t bury your head inside your iPhone, playing some silly little game, hoping to avoid eye contact. Just walk to the other side of the platform and keep your hands in your pockets.
Bonus Tip: Carry pepper spray, a knife, and a photo of Chuck Norris in your wallet for good luck.
[Via: Cellular-News]