I live in frankfurt, and i went on a 4 day trip to swiz. We were 5 - me, my husband, my 18 months old kid and one more couple. Third day, we went to Geneva.
Actually Geneva was not in our itenary, but after going to swiz, we planned to visit Geneva. After reaching Geneva railway station, my husband was enquiring for some places to visit in geneva from other tourists. our friends went to information counter. i was carrying my kid in my hand and i was standing near her pram. One guy came to me and asked me something. I dont even know what language he used. I was irritated with stinking cigrette smell from him, and i told 'sorry, i dunno', and i turned back immediately. One more guy who was standing back to my kid's pram, snatched my handbag, which was under her pram, and he was hiding my handbag with a paper. but i can see my handbags edge in his hand clearly.
I dunno what to do. I was angry, but more panic, becaz there is no one for help near me. I pointed out my handbag, and i told him 'this is mine'. suddenly he gave it to me and vanished.
Eventhough, asking some questions to us for diverting us, and snatching is age old technique, it still works. so, be careful, especially when we go for unknown places...
thank god you were unhurt. remember no place is safe. and esp crowded places like train stations. never ever hang your hand bag in the pram. you're unnecessarily inviting trouble. also never flash expensive stuff like camera, never stock too much cash in the wallet you'll open too often in public. these are applicable wherever you are. a friend of mine got mugged similarly in Paris and when she shouted her bag was returned to her and the guys escaped. but imagine if they had knife or something... always be on alert:)
I remember the bad old days in NYC where it was not uncommon to get robbed. I still use the methods I learned back then when going to big cities as you never know:
Always hold tightly to your purse (purse with zipper not snaps or magnets) and keep in lap at restaurants, theaters, etc.
Instead of purse can carry a small wallet type purse over shoulder and under suit jacket or outside coat.
Never keep everything in one place....put money in several places like couple pockets. Have enough money in secure location (even in your shoe) so you can get home. Keep keys not in purse but in a pocket so you will not lose them.
Don't get involved with folks coming up asking strange questions.
beware of thieves - Geneva, Swiz 
Linear Mode
