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A Steal! Not the Shopping kind, though.

By Sasha Manuel

7 November 2008 330 views 11 Comments

..but is somehow related.

Even when we all know it’s “normal” to have pick-pockets milling about anywhere and everywhere, it’s best to keep in mind that we do need to be reminded of this fact every now and then.

With bonuses and such, we’re busy planning our schedules around going to the mall to do our annual Christmas shopping, we sometimes forget that this is the time when these dodgy people come out of hiding and are adamant in accomplishing their goal.

News of a recent pick-pocket incident reached me. Even when I wasn’t the victim, it actually stressed me out. I had found myself angry at the security these malls provide their customers. It certainly made me think that the person got robbed twice — by the mall and the thief. What sense is there in the sometimes inconvenient searching done upon entering the premises when such pick-pocketing incidents still occur? They’re simply concerned with bomb scares and dismiss the wealth and well-being of the shoppers?

Dear shoppers, though it’s true that there are a number of security personnel stationed across the mall you may find yourselves in, it wouldn’t automatically mean you’re safe from bandits. Be wary of individuals who seemingly are trailing you or stands too close. AND be extra careful of your belongings.

Dear mall owners, tighten your security. Make your customers feel safe. Invest is some kick-ass video-surveillance system if you have to. That way, we can prevent having your customer leave your establishment a victim. You can even train your sales personnel, who are on the floor watching out for clients anyway, to ensure the security of the shoppers.

We shop. You sell. But it doesn’t have to be a place wherein criminals are fostered. That’s definitely bad for business.

P.S. These individuals often try to “blend in” with the crowd so you’d be surprised to find out that a decent looking person is actually targeting your wallet. Do practice vigilance.

Have a safe shopping weekend, folks!

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11 Comments »

  • tara said:

    I agree. Just be careful, everyone! :)

    # 16 November 2008 at 10:16 pm
  • Mary Joyce said:

    I agree with you.
    Pickpockets, bag-slashes and all forms of thievery strikes most during Christmas season. It is just so sad, that these kind of people tend to take advantage of other’s hardworking money and bonuses.
    I even saw a young boy, mind you, he was only around 5 years old i guesstimate, he was climbing in the window of a jeepney to grab the earrings of a woman. I was so shocked, i saw this from the window of my car, but i couldn’t do anything, not even to shout to let the woman know, because i was so flabbergasted and shocked.
    I think,it is also wise, to go shopping with a companion, that way, you can have someone to watch your back. Dress up casually when going shopping, so thieves wont think of you much as a potential target. Best of all, dont go flaunting money, card and cellphones.

    # 17 November 2008 at 9:38 am
  • Dianne said:

    Vigilance is a real must in cases like this. Just be alert always everyone.

    # 19 November 2008 at 10:43 pm
  • virlyn said:

    heads up for the reminder! we really have to be extra careful these days cause there are a lot of them anywhere… take care!

    # 19 November 2008 at 11:42 pm
  • Marleen said:

    Is it ok to ask what news you heard about the pickpocketing incident? What mall was this and how did the security react to make you say it was as if the victim was robbed twice? I would prefer to avoid malls that put you through the hassle of bag inspection then completely ignore your complaints of being robbed right inside their property.

    # 20 November 2008 at 4:17 pm
  • Marleen said:

    Then again, maybe it’s a twisted logic in the mall operators’ mind that the pickpockets will use the stolen money to buy stuff from the shops in the mall anyway, so they still make a profit. I hope not. A happy and relaxed shopper secure in her safety will be more willing to splurge and take her time shopping than one who’s constantly looking over her shoulder and itching to get out of the mall as quickly as possible.

    # 20 November 2008 at 4:19 pm
  • Rowena Wendy Lei said:

    Knapsacks and backpacks are especially susceptible to pick-pocketing. My sister lost her wallet at SM Megamall because she put it in her backpack and there was this girl following her around a boutique…

    # 23 November 2008 at 12:34 pm
  • Lorelei said:

    Yeah, that’s true… pickpocketeers are everywhere.. I lost my wallet once in a mall. I suspected it was taken out from my bag.. I was using a backpack then… from then on, when I go malling or shopping, I use a body bag/ sling bag and I always put it in front of me.

    # 24 November 2008 at 11:12 pm
  • Irene said:

    Me naman, I lost a cellphone during one sale! all I remember was someone bumped me, then when I checked my bag, my cp is gone…huhuhu and I was even telling my companion, we had enough shopping for that day,and that was the last shop we are visiting. From then on, I have been vigilant and cautious when going to the mall.

    # 26 November 2008 at 4:34 pm
  • january said:

    been a victim of pick-pockets before at The Landmark in Makati, actually it happened at the Ladies Room while i was fixing myself…hay! i lost a newly owned handyphone that time :(

    # 26 November 2008 at 5:03 pm
  • annabel choy said:

    inisde the mall? i guess it happens. xmas time is drawing near so everyone should be extra careful. but then again sometimes when you are inside the mall you just feel like letting your guard down and relax.

    # 27 November 2008 at 1:30 pm

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