Instict Saved the Day

A couple of weeks ago I was a target of a "modus operandi" as we call it in the Philippines. Relatively Ireland is a safe country so I dont give a second thought that someone will try to pick my pocket. Back in the Philippines I had my wallet stolen twice when I was in college. That was around Legarda a street infamous for its snatchers and muggers. I am always on constant alert when I walk the sidewalk of Cubao and Quaipo then, and I always do preventive measures so I will not be a prey for thieves.

A couple of weeks back I was walking with my 3 year old boy in his buggy up a hill in Waterford City. I parked my car near the Garda station so it was quiet a long walk from town. That day I was wearing trainers and I think my wallet was kinda expose a bit. I did not notice this two men at my back following me. When I was half way up the hill near a bike shop I heard coins dropping on the ground and some rolling in front of me. Usually your initial reaction will be to look at the coins or help the person who dropped it pick it up. My reaction was quite different I have seen this "modus" before and without thinking my hand reached for my back pocket. I actually caught a mans hand inside my back pocket. He was trying to pick my pocket while the other one was trying to distract me with his coins. I was startled and did not know what to do. The man let go of my wallet and said "Sorry" believe it or not. Then he went on to an a small alley going to McDonald's. I stood there for awhile just trying to make sense of what just happened. The man who dropped the coins walked casually, he has no idea I knew he was an accomplice. After that I continued on walking to the top of the hill and went straight to the Garda (Police) station. They made me describe the men ,their race and the clothes they are wearing. I told them vividly their description coz I had a good look at them. Never could I have thought that my instinct on modus like this that I learned from walking the streets of Cubao during unholy hours can be applied here in Ireland. My quick reaction or my fluke reaction just saved me from loosing my credit card and my immigration card. I learned my lesson, nowadays I am always on the guard making sure that once again I need to make myself less of a target for thieves like I did back in the Philippines. Who could have thought that the streets of Cubao and Legarda can give me an invaluable skill.