Theft in lounges - how frequent?

[Lynda2475]

Wallet in phone unless I carry cash

Some places still insist on the physical credit/debit card.

More importantly it is important to have access to physical cards as a back-up in the event you phone dies or is stolen.

 

[Saab34]

People take anything these days. I’ve put an AirTag in my car. Cop friend has advised they have had considerable success lately arresting some due to AirTags.

I had an issue in a lounge last year, I only ran over to fill up the drink, however I could see the two gents eyeing by bag off and then checking my location. CCTV doesn’t put off people these days.

 

[dajop]

Besides orthopaedic specialists say never put anything in back pocket otherwise potential damage to spine due to slight twist when sitting.

Especially when driving apparently. Also I find after a while wallets tend to leave a permanent indent/mark in the back pockets of jeans/trousers.

For years now I’ve used front pocket for the wallet, slightly less attractive to pickpockets than back pocket.

 

[tdimdad]

For years now I’ve used front pocket for the wallet, slightly less attractive to pickpockets than back pocket.

And you can protect the entry to the pocket much better and notice a lot easier if someone makes an attempt to pinch it. Often, when unsure of my surroundings, I keep my hand in the pocket to cover the wallet.

 

[Seat0B]

People take anything these days. I’ve put an AirTag in my car. Cop friend has advised they have had considerable success lately arresting some due to AirTags.

I had an issue in a lounge last year, I only ran over to fill up the drink, however I could see the two gents eyeing by bag off and then checking my location. CCTV doesn’t put off people these days.

And extending this a little bit further, I hate being forcibly separated from all my belongings whilst getting the inevitable security treatment that goes with 2 knee replacements. One stupid, stupid guard told me that I was not to turn around to look at my things, and then told me to stop being agitated about that or he would call the police. When I complained about the risk of my stuff (wallet, phone, passport, boarding pass, tablet, laptop, backpack, etc) he said that there were enough security cameras to keep my belongings safe. I asked him how a camera stopped my stuff being stolen, and he said it would be easy to see who took stuff on video.

Clearly he had a defective understanding of risk prevention v risk mitigation. I helped him improve his understanding by suggesting that he might like to put his wallet in the tray with my things while I was searched and wanded, without being able to see it, because it was ok, if someone stole it, he’d have video evidence to give the police. He looked aghast and said he would never leave his wallet unattended and exposed like that, what was I, stupid? I pointed out that this was exactly what I was being asked to do, and he generously let me turn so I could at least see my belongings. I now totally refuse to turn around when being wanded, and keep a firm eye on my stuff (which still leaves me feeling anxious as I know it’s not enough to protect it). The security staff can take the 2 steps necessary to do my other side.

 

[Saab34]

CCTV is often useful for Police to charge someone, but useless to get the stuff back, one’s items are often ‘moved on’ very quickly. Once it’s gone, it’s basically gone, sadly.

My brother had tools stolen from his tray. They ended up catching the person a few hours later, but all the stuff was long gone.

 

[Sprucegoose]

My trusty backpack is easily slung. I take it with me at all times, including when on trains and visiting the buffet/dining car

Absolutely - trains are full of the usual ratbags.

I leave my stuff everywhere - this post has been a wake-up call for the Spruce Close Personal Protection Team.

 

[Quickstatus]

More importantly it is important to have access to physical cards as a back-up in the event you phone dies or is stolen.

Yes, but its not in a physical wallet (where a thief would expect to find such items)