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Thug Snatched My Iphone on the Green Line

Today, I thought I'd head downtown for a little Christmas shopping. I hopped on the Green Line and did something that I usually never do, put on my headphones to listen to music. Well it proved to be a mistake and three stops into my ride at Laramie, just as I was writing a Tweet about the crackhead standing next to me talking to himself, the doors opened and some kid who was about to get off the train snatched my phone right out of my hot little hands.

They always say when someone tries to steal your purse, keys, etc, you shouldn't fight them. Just let them go. Well, that's easier said than done because as soon as I felt that guys hands on my phone, my first instinct was to fight him for it (Becca ain't no punk!). Not because I love my phone that much that I'd give my life for it, but that was just my first reaction. When someone snatches something out of your hand, your brain says "Hey! Give that back."

So anyway, the guy eventually got the phone from me and ran off the train. I got off at the next stop and headed back to Oak Park to 1) deactivate my phone immediately 2) file a police report.

As I was waiting for the westbound train, another guy who had been the same car with me came over and renewed my faith in humanity. Not only did he offer to let me use his phone to call the police, but he offered to stay and wait with me until the train arrived. He was very apologetic about what happened and I think he really did feel bad for me (I mean I was standing on the platform trying not to cry -- not because I loved the phone so much -- but when someone does something like that to you, you feel violated).

To make a long story short, the guy at the AT&T store told me that I was the fourth person to come in that week to report a stolen phone and three of the four had been Green Line phone snatchings as well. And in case you're wondering, if your phone is stolen, AT&T won't replace it for free, nor can you buy insurance for it (not that I expected either of those to be options, but other people have asked).

I always fancied myself to be fairly street savvy, but I'll admit that today, I got a little sloppy. I usually never wear headphones on the train, because I like to hear what's going on around me in case someone starts acting a fool. In addition, I was so engrossed my my tweets that I wasn't paying attention to what was happening around me. I won't be taking my iphone out of my bag in the future, that's for sure. In addition, I'm going to be keeping a close eye on people the next time I get on the train. This time, I was lucky. It was just my iphone and I didn't get hurt. Next time, I might not be as fortunate.

On the bright side, I already have my new phone and it's a snazzy 3Gs with video capabilities. I even treated myself to a new pink case.

Stay safe Oak Parkers.

Update: I just came across this information about what to do if your iPhone is stolen. Good stuff to know.

Tags: , oak, park, green, iphone, l…, line", stolen"

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Comment by Joe Curry on January 11, 2010 at 10:11pm: Hmmm....their promo didn't match the news segment. I could have sworn they said iPhone during an ad promo, but I caught the tail end of a story about iPods. Their recommendation was that people should wear black earphones, because "white earphones give away that you have an iPod/iPhone". Um, I don't think that's going to make a difference...!

Comment by Becca on January 11, 2010 at 9:16pm: Hey Joe, thanks for the heads up. I thought I was going to be on the 5:00 news. The reporter for the segment actually contacted me, but I told her I was going to pass. I think she spoke to some other members of the site. I'll have to tune in.

Comment by Joe Curry on January 11, 2010 at 7:51pm: Becca-There's a news segment tonight (Monday 1/11) on NBC at 10pm "Why you should hold on tightly to your iPhone when riding the CTA"

Comment by Russ M on January 11, 2010 at 6:21pm: More public beat downs like this of the thugs and the thefts will stop. Forest Park oughta give that guy an award.

Comment by Aaron Andersen on January 11, 2010 at 6:08pm: I know we've heard about this story ad nauseum, but a Forest Park guy fought back, and stabbed two of the guys who stole his iPod. Things are truly out of hand when it gets this bad. http://www.chicagobreakingnews.com/2010/01/5-charged-in-robbery-of-man-watching-ipod-on-l-train.html?obref=obinsite

Comment by Brian Povlsen on December 15, 2009 at 10:24pm: The best iPhone plan seems to be here at BestBuy BlackTie. http://www.geeksquad.com/services/content.aspx?id=2015&menu_id=495
There doesn't seem to be anything that covers theft for iPhone. It might be covered under your home insurance. You can check with your agent.

Comment by Becca on December 1, 2009 at 10:39pm: Thanks for the update, Lee. I'm curious if the Green Line has a higher number of these iphone incidents or if it's happening on most of the lines.

Comment by Lee Barry on December 1, 2009 at 10:36pm: FYI another iPhone theft today at Cicero. Police caught the kid at the Austin stop. I'm surprised this is not also happening on downtown streets when situational awareness can be even lower.

Comment by Russ M on December 1, 2009 at 11:10am: On the train this morning, the conductor made an announcement that riders should secure their Iphones and other personal belongings. I am wondering if Becca's story made it to the powers that be there... lol

Comment by chris ohlhoff on December 1, 2009 at 10:00am: Witnessed an incident like this first hand last night (Monday Nov 30) around 5 PM riding in the first car. A snatch and run at the Central stop. I think it was a young black male who entered the car from another car mid-ride, sat near the door, and then at the stop, BAM, took off with someone's phone who had been standing in the doorway. Personally I feel safer near the driver or in the corners. Be vigilant everyone.