Too afraid to have nice things?

LegacyUser

Hi all,

This probably seems quite trivial compared to most issues but it's been playing on my mind today. A few days ago I got an upgrade new smartphone which we all know are expensive and attractive to thieves. Earlier on today I was waiting at a luas stop and got a text. Naturally I took the phone out to read the text and as I did noticed 2 guys approaching the stop. They looked a bit dodgy and as they were approaching me I just about heard one of them say "will we do him?". I immediately put the phone back in my pocket and kept my hand in the pocket. The 2 lads approached me and one of them held out his hand as if for me to shake it. Now I'm not the best in social situations, and definitely wouldn't be the most intimidating person at all and immediately kind of froze up. The guy who held out his hand seemed a bit out of it and had a smell of drink from his breath and the other guy also seemed a bit like he was on something too but was definitely more lucid. Anyway, the luas was arriving and I got on the luas and the 2 guys followed me. The whole journey one of the guys was talking to me, telling me his whole life story about how much debt he's in and drugs he's on etc.. I just kind of nodded but kept my distance. All the while he was talking to me he kept saying to his other friend "are you watching me?" and they were whispering things to one another. Thankfully the luas was really busy so there were other people around but the whole journey I was shaking like a leaf. We got to the last stop and as we were approaching the 2 guys were talking to one another so I pushed my way up to the top, got off the luas and bolted for the nearest shopping centre. I sat in a cafe there for a while to calm myself down and as soon as I felt a bit more together I just headed straight home.

I still feel pretty shaken by the whole thing and definitely felt that something wasn't right with the situation. I'm now feeling too afraid to take the phone out with me if it's too attractive to be stolen, but at the same time I'm feeling angry that some scumbags feel they can take something from me that I've worked hard for. It's not the monetary value of the phone as it's insured but the emotional value if that makes sense?

Maybe I'm over-reacting to the situation but it's really playing on my mind and if anyone has some advice it'd be much appreciated!

Rubberchikken

You might be overacting but you might not.
Sometimes it better to be safe.
You did the right thing at the time but don't let it take away the enjoyment of your new phone.
Put it out of your mind and go on with your life. You're entitled to:-)

power pants

It is not just you unfortunately. Anyone with a nice phone and using it out in public risks this type of scenario happening. Its not right but that is life.

Of course you are entitled to nice things but at the same time you need to be aware of your surroundings too when using the phone.

I rarely take mine out from my coat in the city centre, im well able to handle myself but all it takes is someone to swipe it and run off. I accept this can be the case so I keep it in my coat mostly.

mikemac1

I've seen a phone snatched across the street from me and it's happened a few people in work. Approaching you on the street can happen but more likely they'll cycle past you or else grab it as Luas doors are closing.

In the past it's something I never thought of and now for sure in some situations I put it away or at least grip it tightly if I see a certain type (ya know what I mean, not a commuter!) cycling up the path behind me

It's something to be aware of and be conscious of. Enjoy your new phone, do everything you want to do with it but just be aware.