I was warned.
On a recent trip to Paris for a holiday break I got my pocket-picked for the very first time.It was on the Paris Metro railway system.Was chatting to some English folks at the hotel and this poor lady had her handbag dipped and purse nicked... all very stressful.
I always carry my wallet in a money belt when overseas but tend to keep some loose banknotes in my pocket.Anyhow we had been sightseeing up at the Pompidou Centre and were travelling back to hotel when we had to change trains on the Metro.This was at rush hour and the stations and trains were packed full.
The train pulled into platform and we had to squash-in. While squashed-in, I started to feel someone's hand go into my trouser pocket and, annoyed by this I just made enough room to grab the hand and twist the wrist of the thieving git who was in my trouser pocket. A teenage boy near me in squashed compartment let out a yell and tried to wriggle free of my grip.While I had grabbed the wrist,another hand was going into my pocket and removing my money.
Original offender wriggled free and bolted through doors of train, which were just closing, along with his mate.
The whole thing lasted about 20 seconds but it was enough to rob me of 20 Euros.
Back at the hotel, geezer on reception told me the pickpockets on Metro are mostly gypsy children who work in gangs. I got a mental picture of them taking the spoils back to their parents at the end of the day.
Little Bastards!
Chatted to an American guy back at hotel called Alex who was totally outraged at my story and said if I wanted he would help me me find the thieves and "rip their fricking heads-off !" He was a burly ex-marine and I had no doubt his offer was genuine, however I declined.
This was the day before I came home and although the amount of money nicked was small
I was well pissed-off.It is just the principle of being robbed that I hated.
I have now been to Paris countless times and have always enjoyed myself there but now must say I have no intention of ever returning.There are other places I must visit.
However, if anyone offers me a free holiday there I would be right there in a minute.
